Resolution of conjunctival Kaposi sarcoma after institution of highly active antiretroviral therapy alone

Aggressive conjunctival Kaposi sarcoma as the initial manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Purpose

To report a case of Kaposi sarcoma in a patient with previously undiagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.

Observations

A 23-year-old male patient presented to the eye clinic with complaints of redness of his left eye for the past month. The patient had been seen one day prior to presentation in the emergency department for a neck mass and pneumonia. Exam was notable for a left hemorrhagic, nodular, bulbar conjunctival mass, a right hemorrhagic conjunctival lesion, and violaceous facial skin lesions. Due to suspicion for conjunctival Kaposi sarcoma, HIV and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) serologies were obtained which returned positive. Biopsies of the ocular mass and axillary lymph nodes confirmed Kaposi sarcoma. The patient was started on anti-retroviral therapy and Doxorubicin. The left conjunctival mass initially progressed to cover most of his cornea but eventually regressed by 6 months.

Conclusions and Importance

Ocular involvement of Kaposi sarcoma as the initial manifestation of HIV/AIDS is rare with only a few reported cases. Since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, conjunctival or adnexal Kaposi sarcoma is not commonly encountered by healthcare providers. Concern for Kaposi sarcoma of the conjunctiva in this patient led to the evaluation for HIV/AIDS. It is vital for all healthcare providers to have Kaposi sarcoma in the differential diagnosis of a hemorrhagic conjunctival or adnexal mass and be familiar with its association with HIV/AIDS. If suspected, appropriate counseling and testing should be performed.

HIV-1, HAART and cancer: A complex relationship

HIV infected people are at higher risk of developing cancer, although it is globally diminished in the era of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). Recently, antioncogenic properties of some HAART drugs were discovered. We discuss the role of HAART in the prevention and improvement of treatment outcomes of cancers in HIV-infected people. We describe different trends in HAART-cancer relationships: cancer-predisposing as well as cancer-preventing. We cover the roles of particular drug regimens in cancer prevention. We also describe the causes of cancer treatment with HAART drugs in HIV-negative people, including ongoing clinical studies that may directly point to a possible independent anti-oncogenic activity of HAART drugs. We conclude that despite potent antioncogenic activities of every class of HAART drugs reported in preclinical models, the evidence to date indicates that their independent clinical impact in HIV-infected people is limited. Improved cancer prevention strategies besides HAART are needed to reduce HIV-cancer-related mortality.

Total resolution of ocular Kaposi sarcoma with different treatment approaches - a case series and review of literature

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative disease that can vary from low-grade to aggressive and lethal multicentric vascular lesions, which can involve various locations, commonly mucocutaneous, lymph nodes, and visceral organs. It can also involve unusual sites such as the eye, central or peripheral nervous system, larynx, and many other anatomical sites. We describe three cases of ocular KS, which resolved completely following different treatment modalities. All three cases were known HIV-positive individuals with low CD4 cell counts. Case 1 received pegylated doxorubicin, case 2 received local radiotherapy, and case 3 received only highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). All three cases responded well to their respective therapy. Ocular KS is generally responsive to treatment. Initiation of HAART can achieve a remarkable response. In large or resistant cases, other treatment modalities can be considered to achieve resolution of lesions.

Kaposi's sarcoma of the conjunctiva and the eyelid leads to the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection - a case report

Background

The purpose of this case report is to describe a conjunctiva and eyelid Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) as the initial manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which led to the diagnosis of HIV infection. There are only 3 reported cases of ocular KS as an initial manifestation of HIV infection.

Case presentation

A 32-year old white man presented to our department with a 1 month history of eye redness. The patient had an enlarged violet-coloured mass on the right superior eyelid which had evolved over the course of 1 week. There was also a mobile bulbar conjunctival lesion with a bright red colour, approximately 5 mm × 5 mm, in the superior temporal quadrant of his left eye. The lesions looked like a chalazion and a subconjunctival haemorrhage, respectivly. Presumed KS diagnosis was confirmed with HIV-1 positive testing and histopathology from tissue biopsy. The patient’s CD4 count was 23/mm³ and viral RNA load 427,000/ml. Further systemic evaluation showed a diffuse sarcoma.

Conclusion

This case report demonstrates the importance of recognizing the ocular manifestations of AIDS in establishing the correct diagnosis of KS and subsequently diagnosing occult HIV infection. Although ocular KS as the initial manifestation of HIV-AIDS is an extremely rare event, a proper diagnosis may contribute to prompt management with personal and social relevance.

Human immunodeficiency virus-associated giant conjunctival Kaposi's sarcoma: complete remission with antiretroviral therapy and systemic chemotherapy

CASE REPORT

A 35-year-old male patient with a large unilateral haemorrhagic conjunctival tumour lesion and another contralateral haemorrhagic conjunctival flat lesion associated with violaceous cutaneous macules on the extremities and angiomatous lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract as initial clinical manifestation of HIV-related immunodeficiency. Cutaneous, gastric mucosal and conjunctival biopsy was consistent with Kaposi's sarcoma with complete remission after highly active antiretroviral therapy and systemic chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

HIV-related conjunctival Kaposi's sarcoma, even a large one, can have a good response to antiretroviral therapy and systemic chemotherapy without any additional topical eye treatment.

Ocular surface neoplasias and human immunodeficiency virus infection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ocular surface malignancy is a serious complication in HIV infection, but can often result in successful treatment if diagnosed appropriately. In the literature, most reviews focus on information for the ophthalmic community. Here, we provide a review of the literature with the pertinent information for the nonophthalmologist, as they are the first point of contact for most HIV patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is the most common nonpigmented ocular surface malignancy. It can be treated well with surgery or topical chemotherapy, the newest method of treatment. When presenting in young patients, a high percentage have been found to be HIV positive. Kaposi's sarcoma is an AIDS-defining malignancy and critical to diagnose. It cannot be cured, but treatment is effective for keeping it controlled. Conjunctival lymphoma can be recognized with the salmon patch appearance. External beam radiation, systemic chemotherapy, and intralesional injections are the mainstays of treatment.

SUMMARY

Ocular surface malignancy manifests significantly in the HIV population. OSSN, Kaposi's sarcoma and conjuctival lymphoma all have different clinical presentations. The capacity of the managing physician to recognize these tumours and refer to an ophthalmologist is essential for appropriate treatment.