Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY IN KAPOSI'S SARCOMA
Kaposi's Sarcoma: A Text and Atlas. Gottlieb GJ, Ackerman AB, eds. Philadelphia, Lea and Febiger, p. 129-40, 1988.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/88647198 Waldo E; Sidhu GS; New York Veterans Administration Medical Center, New York, NY
Abstract:
The electron microscopic characteristics of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in both acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and non-AIDS patients (pts) are described and illustrated. Criteria for differentiating KS from its simulators (histiocytoid hemangioma, hemangioma, and sclerosing hemangioma [dermatofibroma]) are discussed. Examples of the early (16) and late (5) stages of KS were studied by light and electron microscopy of biopsy specimens of lesions in both pts with AIDS and pts without AIDS. In addition, vascular lesions that may resemble KS were examined and an attempt was made to delineate features that help to distinguish KS. Characteristically, in all pts, KS is composed of primitive vessels lined by plump or spindled endothelial cells that have increased cytoplasmic organelles and are surrounded by basal lamina that is often disrupted. Pericytes may be present, but they are irregular in distribution. Other ultramicroscopic features regularly present in KS and rarely present or not identifiable at all in simulators include erythrophagocytosis by endothelial cells, gaps between endothelial cells, necrotic endothelial cells, and endothelial cells in mitosis. Although Weibel-Palade bodies are seen in both KS and its simulators, they are found with greater frequency in lesions other than KS. Abundant ferritin present in endothelial cells, pericytes, and stromal cells characterizes KS at all stages. Abundant ferritin is also seen in macrophages and myofibroblasts in sclerosing hemangiomas, but not in the endothelial cells of these lesions. In hemangiomas, pericytes form a discontinuous layer as in KS, but individual pericytes and the relationship of these cells to endothelial cells are both better developed and more regular. A similar regular and well-developed pericytic layer is seen in sclerosing hemangiomas, but in these lesions the pericytes are often continuous. (19 Refs)
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PATHOLOGY Biopsy Endothelium, Vascular/ULTRASTRUCTURE Hemangioma/ULTRASTRUCTURE Human Microscopy, Electron Sarcoma, Kaposi's/*ULTRASTRUCTURE Skin/ULTRASTRUCTURE Skin Neoplasms/*ULTRASTRUCTURE MONOGRAPH REVIEW, TUTORIAL REVIEW
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Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
