Kaposi's sarcoma of the pancreas mimicking pancreatic cancer in an HIV-infected patient. Clinical diagnosis by detection of HHV 8 in bile and complete remission following antiviral and cytostatic therapy with paclitaxel.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is usually made by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and corresponding findings in computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging. Kaposi's sarcoma, a frequent tumor in individuals with a late-stage HIV infection, can be located in the gastrointestinal tract and cause identical symptoms to carcinoma of the same site. A close correlation of this tumor to human herpes virus 8 (HHV 8) has been known for several years and there are reports of successful antiproliferative therapy.

METHODS: Aspirated pancreatic juice and bile was investigated for the presence of HHV 8 by polymerase chain reaction. The clinical course of the patient under antiviral therapy and treatment with paclitaxel was studied.

RESULTS: A 47-yr-old HIV-infected man with a history of Kaposi's sarcoma of skin and lungs caused by obstructive jaundice in the years before was admitted. ERCP showed a typical double-duct sign and CT revealed a tumorous infiltration of the pancreatic head, highly suspicious for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A mutation of the ki-ras gene could be ruled out and molecular analysis of bile identified HHV 8 by PCR. Intensive antiviral therapy, including foscarnet and treatment with paclitaxel led to a complete remission within 8 m.o.

CONCLUSION: Kaposi's sarcoma of the pancreas possibly mimics pancreatic cancer in HIV-infected subjects. Diagnosis may be made by identification of HHV 8 in pancreatic juice or bile, and successful clinical outcome is possible by intensive antiviral and cytostatic treatment with paclitaxel.