Kaposi's sarcoma and multiple myeloma: a new case.

Introduction, - Kaposi's disease is an angiogenic multifocal cancer process that has several forms, namely Mediterranean, African, HIV-associated, and secondary to a preexisting immunodepressive state (hematological disorder, corticosteroid therapy, immunodepressive treatment). Whatever its form, Ka posi's sarcoma is probably associated with a chronic viral human herpes typ e 8 infection (HHV8). Exegesis. - This Virus has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (17 cases recorded to date). In the present study, a further case o f Kaposi's sarcoma associated with multiple myeloma has been reported. Howe ver, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, HIV and HHV8 s erologies were negative. Radiotherapy on the lower limbs was initiated. Conclusion. - It is concluded that HHV8 does not appear to play a pathogeni c role in cases of multiple myeloma, given the rarity of the association be tween Kaposi's sarcoma/multiple myeloma/HHV8. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiqu es et medicales Elsevier SAS.