Case Report

Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: Advanced Kaposi Sarcoma Mimicking Vulvar Abscess

Authors: Brent W. Laartz, MD, Christopher Cooper, MD, Amber Degryse, John T. Sinnott, MD

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma is a vascular neoplastic disorder that is associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The causative factor in Kaposi sarcoma is human herpes virus-8. This complication of AIDS has a predilection for homosexual males and is rarely associated with the female AIDS population. However, we present a case of Kaposi sarcoma mimicking the benign and common Bartholin gland abscess. A search of the literature including the MEDLINE database revealed a single report of Kaposi sarcoma presenting as a vulvar mass, but not as a suspected Bartholin abscess. The history, presentations, risk factors, and treatments available for Kaposi sarcoma are also discussed in this report.


Key Points


* Kaposi sarcoma is a vascular neoplastic disorder.


* The causative factor of Kaposi sarcoma is thought to be human herpes virus-8.


* This case describes Kaposi sarcoma mimicking the benign and common condition of a Bartholin gland abscess.

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