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ABSTRACT
Background
Gastrointestinal Kaposi Sarcoma (GIT KS) is a rare angioproliferative tumour, common in people living with HIV and its aetiopathogenesis is linked to infection by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). In its early stages, GIT KS is often asymptomatic and typically discovered incidentally in later stages with lymph node involvement and a more aggressive disease with poor prognosis. This study examined the clinicopathological features of GIT KS in a tertiary care setting to identify high-risk groups and enhance patient management.
Method
This retrospective, quantitative case series analysed cases of GIT KS diagnosed between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2022, utilizing data from the National Health Laboratory Service’s laboratory information system. Demographic, clinical, and histopathological information was collected using a specialized tool, recorded in Microsoft Excel, and analysed using STATA version 18 software.
Result
A total of 25 GIT KS cases were analysed; with a male predominance at 64% (n=16). The overall mean age was 43.32+-11.52 and range was 16-64 years. The youngest patient was male, the mean age for females was 38.78+-11.74 and the mean age for males was 45.88+-10.92 years. Most of the patients were HIV positive (88%). The CD4 count was not available for 28% of the cases, of the cases with CD4 status, 24% had CD4 status below 200 cells/ml. The commonly affected site was gastric at 52% (n=13). Out of all the patients, 68% were on ARV. The human herpes virus 8 immunohistochemistry marker was positive on 60% of the cases.
Conclusion
This study highlighted a broad age range among patients diagnosed with GIT KS, with younger female patients. The findings emphasize the importance of educating clinicians and pathologists about the clinicopathological characteristics of GIT KS for improved patient management.