Alimentary tract involvement in Kaposi sarcoma: radiographic and endoscopic findings in 25 homosexual men

Abstract

An outbreak of Kaposi sarcoma has recently occurred among young homosexual men. It differs from the classic form in its virulence and preponderance of systemic manifestations. Twenty-five homosexual men with a mean age of 37 and biopsy-proven Kaposi sarcoma received extensive gastrointestinal evaluations. Twelve patients (48%) had evidence of gastrointestinal involvement by radiography and/or endoscopy. Lesions were found in the larynx, oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and colon. Radiographically they ranged from minimally elevated submucosal lesions, some with central ulceration, to polypoid defects. Abdominal CT was obtained in 18 patients, 11 of whom showed abnormalities. Of those with abnormal CT, 50% had retroperitoneal adenopathy. The gastrointestinal radiographic findings with endoscopic correlation in this unusual group of patients is discussed.