An unusual series of patients with Kaposi sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a mesenchymal tumor characterized by angioproliferation in the setting of infection by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), also known as KS–associated herpesvirus. The disease has several manifestations, the most common of which is a violaceous-to-dark brown macule, plaque, or nodule on the skin. Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is less common, only affecting 10% of patients but is much more prevalent in the immunocompromised.1 Involvement of visceral organs outside the gastrointestinal tract such as the lungs, liver, and bone is extremely rare in immunocompetent patients. Clinically, most cases of KS fit into 1 of 5 reported subtypes: classical, African endemic, AIDS epidemic, iatrogenic, and nonepidemic. Very rarely do patients present who do not conform to 1 of the 5 subtypes. We present 3 such patients and discuss their fit in the current classification system.