[Kaposi's sarcoma in patients with kidney transplantation]

Abstract

An anti-HIV negative patient with cadaveric renal transplant developed Kaposi's sarcoma of the skin and gingiva 10 months after transplantation, taking triple immunosuppression (cyclosporine, azathioprine and prednisone). After reduction of the cyclosporine dose and complete cessation of azathioprine administration, the tumor regressed without rejection of renal transplant. The patient was a carrier of HLA A2 and DR5. When Kaposi's sarcoma was diagnosed serologic tests revealed reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. All this combined with considerable pharmacological immunosuppression, made the patient prone to develop Kaposi's sarcoma, which can regress with adequate reduction of immunosuppression.