The prognostic significance of facial lymphoedema in HIV-seropositive subjects with Kaposi sarcoma.
Jan 2008
Feller L, Masipa JN, Wood NH, Raubenheimer EJ, Lemmer J.
Background
Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is a multifocal angioproliferative neoplasm characterized by inflammation, oedema, neoangiogenesis and spindle cell proliferation. The pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated KS (HIV-KS) is multifactorial and is influenced by HIV, by human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), and by increased production of cytokines and growth factors. Whether HIV-KS is a true malignancy or a reactive hyperplastic inflammatory condition is debatable.
Results and conclusions
Oedema of the face, legs and hands is a prominent feature of HIV-KS and is probably caused by lymphoedema related to the HIV-KS lesions. The cases of two HIV-seropositive subjects with KS-associated facial lymphoedema are reported. Extensive oral HIV-KS in association with facial oedema in the absence of anti-retroviral treatment appears to be an indication of a poor prognosis.
Aids Research and Therapy
About Me
- Pat O'Connor
- Am old enough to understand the difference between the Bay of Pigs - and roasting a pig at a epicurian feast. Been thru the hippy, yippie and yuppie years - always remaining who I am. Very much believe in "Sing your own song - weave your own tapestry" Am young enough to still know the thrill of new discoveries, the beauty of the evening, to celebrate the joy of another tommorow. Survived these many decades with a severe medical problems. Sorting out the maze of now having two lymphomas and all their nasty little companions, but I continue. Besides, being a simple iconoclastic eclectic, have been called many things. An incurable romanticist - with a strong touch of reality. Thinker, intellectual (God, how I hate that term) - been told I am a lion with the heart of the poet. Know how to wage war and conquer my foes - but would rather be known as one who brings hope and life. To bring hope into anothers life is the ultimate of joys. Life should be about bringing hope, peace, vision... a sense of purpose beyond yourself.