Gastric Kaposi’s sarcoma presenting as upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a non-AIDS patient

Abstract

Background: Majority of the patients affected by Kaposi sarcoma (KS) have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) lessened the incidence of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)- related KS. Cutaneous signs are the most common, but involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is very important and dangerous because of serious complications including perforation and bleeding. Case Presentation: This report is a rare case of gastric-KS presenting as melena in a non-AIDS 67-year-old woman. We describe the diagnosis and management of this rare complication. Conclusion: GI-KS is often asymptomatic with different endoscopic appearances, and maybe present without cutaneous lesions. Thus, a high diagnostic suspicion is needed and we should attend these GI complications.

Keywords

• kaposi’s sarcoma
• upper gastrointestinal bleeding
• non-aids