Coexistence of multiple myeloma and Kaposi Sarcoma in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a neoplasm of factor VIII-producing endothelial cell origin with inflammatory basis. KS has gained much attention following its prevalence among patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).1 KS is classified into four epidemiologic forms including classic, African, AIDS associated and iatrogenic. Iatrogenic KS is a subtype of KS, commonly developed among medically immunosuppressed patients. One of the autoimmune diseases which might be associated with KS due to immunosuppression is Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a systemic autoimmune disorder which affects synovial membrane of multiple joints and requires long term medical treatments with immunosuppressive drugs.2 On the other hand, associations of specific malignancies are also reported in those RA patients, under treatments with methotrexate or immunomodulatory drugs. Here we present a patient diagnosed and treated with RA who later developed multiple myeloma (MM) and KS. © 2020 Pakistan Association of Dermatologists. All rights reserved.