[CT and supplementary HR-CT of Kaposi's sarcoma of the pulmonary parenchyma--the morphology of the findings and the diagnostic value].

AIM OF THE STUDY: was an analysis of the CT appearances of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in the lung and to determine the diagnostic value of CT and supplementary high resolution CT.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: 38 AIDS patients with cutaneous and/or mucocutaneous KS were examined by conventional radiography and CT of the chest during a prospective study.

RESULTS

Evaluation of the CT appearances in 16 patients with proven pulmonary KS showed a typical pattern consisting of patchy and flame-shaped infiltrates in relation to the bronchovascular bundle these may be combined with non-necrotic confluent shadows surrounded by areas of ground glass opacity, thickened interlobular septa and round foci. In 12 patients the CT appearances were regarded as characteristic and in four as suggestive but not diagnostic.

CONCLUSION

Combination of these features in patients with cutaneous or mucocutaneous manifestations but otherwise negative findings of pulmonary infection allows one to make a diagnosis of pulmonary KS with a high degree of certainty and helps to avoid invasive diagnostic procedures.