Two Cases of Kaposis Sarcoma Associated with Immunosuppressive Therapy

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a multicentric neoplasia deriving from both vascular and lymphatic endotelial cells. There are four subtypes presenting with different clinical courses; classic (sporadic), endemic (African type), immunosupressionrelated (iatrogenic) and AIDS-related. The incidence of KS is extremely high among people treated with immunosuppressive therapy especially in the ones with organ transplants. Its incidence is higher in patients treated with cyclosporin A rather than azathioprine and methylprednisolone. This high incidence is probably related to the strong immunosuppressive action of cyclosporine. It is said that cell mediated immunity may play a role in the pathogenesis of immunosuppression related KS and immunosuppressive drugs not only interfere with the immun defences of human body but also have mutagenic potantial. ‹mmunosuppression related KS usually presents with cutaneous lesions and visceral involvement is not expected. The lesions usuallly resolve with the cessation or tappering of immunosuppressive therapy. Herein we report two cases of KS developing in patients who were receiving immunosuppressive therapy; in patient 1 for the prevention of rejection after renal transplantation and in patient 2 for the
therapy of pyoderma gangrenosum. The increased incidence of KS in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy should be considered while evaluating the lesions developing in these patients.

Keywords: Kaposi’s sarcoma, immunosuppression

İmmunsupresif Tedaviye Bağlı Kaposi Sarkomu

Anahtar Kelimeler: Kaposi sarkomu, immunsupresyon