• M C Khaba, N E Mothata, M O Keetse, and T Sumbana.
• Department of Anatomical Pathology, Dr George Mukhari Tertiary Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Services, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa; Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa.
• S. Afr. Med. J. 2024 Nov 4; 114 (11): e2034e2034.

BackgroundWhile a large number of cases in an HIV setting may be attributed to infections, there has also been a rise in HIV- associated malignancies such as Kaposi sarcoma and aggressive B-cell lymphoma.ObjectiveTo describe the clinicopathological features of cases with acute abdomen secondary to AIDS-defining malignancy in the gatrointestinal tract.MethodThis is a retrospective analysis of all cases presenting with acute abdomen and histologically diagnosed AIDS-defining malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract over a period of 8 years in our centre. Clinicopathological characteristics were retrieved from the laboratory information system. Archived haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections and immunohistochemical stains were reap- praised.ResultsA total of 13 cases, which consisted of 5 males and 8 females, with an average age of 35 years formed the study sample. All the patients were HIV-positive on antiretroviral therapy, and presented with acute abdomen. Intraoperatively, there were five intussusceptions, three strictures, three perforated tumours and two luminal occlusions. Histopathology confirmed five cases of Kaposi sarcoma and eight cases of high-grade B-cell lymphomas. Two patients with high-grade B-cell lymphomas died after surgical intervention.ConclusionExpedited histopathological assessment of bowel resection in HIV-infected patients could improve clinical outcomes with early treatment.

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