Mediastinal Liposarcoma in a Patient Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus

摘要

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the subsequent destruction of T4-positive helper cells are associated with the development of infection with opportunistic pathogens and with the development of various malignancies. Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are also at higher risk for Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. It has been asserted that the increased incidence of these malignancies is associated with alterations in the immune system. If the immune system is truly a factor in protection against malignancy, then HIV-infected patients may be at greater risk for other forms of cancer as well. Liposarcoma is usually a malignancy of later life; it is rarely found as a primary tumor of the thorax. This letter describes the first documented case of a young patient with HIV infection and liposarcoma of the mediastinum. A 27-year old male patient's left mediastinotomy revealed well-differentiated subtype. In light of this tumor's location in a relatively young person, we suggest that there may be an association of liposarcoma with HIV infection. Keywords: Virus diseases, Immunosuppression, Reprints. (aw)