Korean J Dermatol.  2001 Sep;39(9):985-990.

A case of Human Herpesvirus 8 Related Kaposi's Sarcoma in a Patient with Iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome

• Youn NH
• You DO
• Park SD
• Cha SH

Abstract

Kaposi's sarcoma(KS) is a multicentric proliferative vascular tumor involving cutaneous and visceral tissues. KS was one of the first recognized manifestations of AIDS. A 71-year-old woman was seen with multiple violaceous nodules and painful erythematous cellulitis-like swelling on both lower legs. Easy bruising and senile purpura was also noted on her forearms. She had been suffered from lower back pain for 7 years, and had been treated with corticosteroids. Clinical picture and hormonal study revealed that she had iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome. The histopathologic study from skin lesion showed abnormally proliferated and dilated vessels, vascular slits, spindle shaped cells in the entire dermis. Human herpesvirus 8(HHV-8) was detected by nested polymerase chain reaction(PCR) using the paraffin-embedded skin tissue. She received localized radiotherapy(50 Gray) to both lower legs with favorable response. But five months later, her skin lesions had recurred and progressed into more aggressive pattern mainly on her left lower leg. We report a rare case of human herpesvirus 8 related KS in iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome.

Keyword

Kaposi's sarcoma; Human herpesvirus 8; Iatrogenic cushing's syndrome

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Aged
Cushing Syndrome*
Dermis
Female
Forearm
Herpesvirus 8, Human*
Humans*
Leg
Low Back Pain
Purpura
Sarcoma, Kaposi*
Skin
Adrenal Cortex Hormones