Sketchy Micro: HHV-8 Kaposi's Sarcoma Flashcards
What type of virus is HHV-8?
It is a member of the herpesvirus family, so it is an enveloped dsDNA virus.
(Think of the blue tones of KAte’s POSIeS flower shop and the Hermes emblem on the door.)
HHV-8 causes _____________ in immunocompromised individuals.
Kaposi’s sarcoma
(The shop is called KAte’s POSIes, and the old woman in the center is hunched over on a cane and has an AIDS ribbon on her sweater.)
Kaposi’s sarcoma usually presents as _______________.
violaceous lesions on the nose, extremities, and mucous membranes
(Think of the violaceous flower petals on the old woman’s nose and arm.)
Kaposi’s sarcoma is characterized by ________________.
proliferation of vasculature (like the coils of red hose that are being unfurled)
Why does HHV-8 cause angiogenesis?
HHV-8 causes dysregulation of VEGF.
Think of the VEGetable Fertilizer that is propped up against the flower beds.
In addition to the nose and extremities, Kaposi’s sarcoma can also be found in _______________.
the GI tract (represented by the haustra-esque covering of the flower beds) and the hard palate of the mouth (represented by the violet flowers on the roof of the greenhouse)
What hematologic malignancy can be caused by HHV-8?
B-cell primary effusion lymphoma
Think of the statue of the archer next to the plaque showing the flower shop’s B rating.
In what two areas is HHV-8 endemic?
Russia and Africa
Think of the Russian rhododendrons and the African azaleas.
What lesion can easily be confused with Kaposi’s sarcoma?
Bacillary angiomatosis caused by Bartonella henselae
They can only be definitively distinguished under microscopy, in which B. henselae will show neutrophil infiltrate while Kaposi’s will show lymphocytic infiltrate.
(Think of Bart the leopard leaning up against the glass.)
What treatment can be offered to those with Kaposi’s sarcoma?
If they have HIV, then antiretroviral therapy will usually lead to the regression of Kaposi lesions.
