Gastric Ulcer as Presentation of HIV-Associated Kaposi Sarcoma and Resolution With HAART Therapy

• Authors: Rama Nassri, Alfaisal University College of Medicine; Abdullah Muftah, USF Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Mayssan Muftah, Emory University; Ammar Nassri, University of Florida at Jacksonville; Ahmad Alkhasawneh, University of Florida at Jacksonville
• Journal Title: ACG Case Reports Journal
• Volume: Volume 6, Number 10
• Publisher: American College of Gastroenterology | 2019-10-28
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.14309/crj.0000000000000262
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Pathology; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery
• Keywords: Gastric Ulcer; HAART Therapy

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a neoplasm of endothelium-derived cells that are associated with human herpesvirus 8 infection. In the setting of HIV, extensive disease typically necessitates highly active antiretroviral therapy in conjunction with chemotherapy. We report a patient who presented with gastrointestinal symptoms and was found to have KS presenting only as cratered gastric ulcers. The patient declined chemotherapy and was treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy alone and had complete resolution of KS on endoscopy and imaging up to 3 years later.