Kaposi sarcoma: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

The answer is C. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular tumor associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). It most often occurs in patients infected with HIV and is considered an AIDS-defining illness. However, in general, the incidence of KS has decreased ever since the advancement of HAART. AIDS-related KS may occur at a normal CD4 cell count, but it is much more common when the CD4 count is < 200 cells/mL. On a physical exam, you will appreciate skin lesions that are typically non-pruritic, palpable, variable in color (brown, pink, red, purple), and more often than not located on the lower extremities and head/neck region. The definitive diagnosis is a biopsy of the skin lesion. HAART is recommended for all patients with AIDS-related KS. Some localized symptomatic therapy options include: radiation, intralesional chemotherapy, topical alitretinoin, cryotherapy, and surgical excision.