KAPOSIS-SARCOMA IN A KIDNEY-TRANSPLANT PATIENT RECEIVING CYCLOSPORINE- CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a rare malignancy that occurs with increased incidence in immunosuppressed individuals. KS is frequently described after renal transplantation (RT), where it may represent up to 5% of r ecipients with Jewish, Arabic, or Mediterranean ancestry. A 32-year-ol d Arab Mediterranean male underwent cadaveric RT in 1986. While his re nal function remained stable, several purple-brown skin nodules appear ed in 1990 on his trunk and extremities. Histologic findings were typi cal of KS. Clinical, endoscopic, and radiologic investigations were ne gative for visceral involvement. Repeated viral study was performed an d the patient was negative for HIV and CMV, but was positive for HBsAg . The dosage of immunosuppressive drugs was reduced. No radiotherapy o r chemotherapy was added. At the time of this writing, after a 5-year follow-up, the patient is doing well and is tumor free. This article h ighlights the multiple factors involved in the development KS, notably immunosuppressive drugs including cyclosporine, as well as ethnic fac tors.