Conjunctival Kaposi's Sarcoma as an Initial Diagnosis of AIDS

Abstract

Purpose: To report an interesting and rare case of conjunctival Kaposi's sarcoma, which led to the diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in a 25-year-old male. Methods: Interventional case report. A 25-year-old male presented with an asymptomatic red-violaceous lesion on his left eye for approximately 3 weeks. He had a history of tattooing 2 years ago, otherwise, his medical history was unremarkable. Results: HIV viral load of 451,958 copies/mL and 74 CD4+ cells were reported, confirming the diagnosis of HIV infection. An excisional biopsy was performed which reported neoplastic cells, vascular channels lined up with red blood cells, and highly mitotic cells, immunohistochemical reactions were carried out as well and were all positive for human herpesvirus-8, factor VIII, and CD31, confirming Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Conclusions: Nowadays KS is very rare. The clinical characteristics of the neoplasm, absence of remarkable medical history at the time of presentation, prompt diagnosis of AIDS, and rapid treatment make this an interesting and important case for all ophthalmologists to diagnose AIDS.