Primary Kaposi’s Sarcoma of Lymph Nodes

Abstract

An example of Kaposi's sarcoma with primary involvement of lymph nodes is reported. The patient, a woman, was admitted because of generalized lymphadenopathy and anemia. She was also known to have congestive heart failure of rheumatic origin. SMA-12 screening disclosed hypercalcemia on several occasions during her hospitalization. Levels of circulating parathormone and prostaglandins E2 and F were markedly increased. Total bone scan was negative for involvement by tumor. Electronmicroscopic examination of an involved lymph node disclosed secretory bodies in the cytoplasm of malignant cells and other cells, with clear indication of endothelial origin. The rarity of Kaposi's sarcoma with primary lymph nodal involvement in the United States is discussed. So far as is known by the authors, no example of Kaposi's sarcoma has been associated with hypercalcemia due to ectopic endocrine production.