Kaposi sarcoma: What to do with a negative human herpesvirus 8 immunohistochemical stain?

J Cutan Pathol. 2022 May;49(5):460-462. doi: 10.1111/cup.14180. Epub 2021 Dec 9.

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an intermediate vascular sarcoma that can cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients if left untreated. It is associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection. Definitive diagnosis is supported by classic histopathology including slit-like vascular spaces, spindle cells, lymphocyte infiltration, and extravasated red blood cells on H&E stain and positive immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for HHV-8. We present a challenge we encountered in detecting HHV-8 by IHC in a mucosal lesion demonstrating classic histopathology for KS.

Keywords: IHC; Kaposi sarcoma; human herpesvirus 8; immunohistochemistry.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome*
  • Coloring Agents
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human*
  • Humans
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi* / pathology
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • Coloring Agents