[Kaposi sarcoma in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). I: Clinical findings and laboratory diagnosis].

In addition to the classical type of Kaposi's sarcoma, a new, aggressive and prognostically ominous variant occurs since 1980: the AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma. This aggressive variant is associated with viral infection by the lymphotropic retrovirus HTLV-III, identical to LAV. In the U.S.A. and in Europe, this virus is transmitted mainly by homosexual contact, whereas in Central Africa the characteristic mode of transmission is heterosexual promiscuity. The authors present for the benefit of the ENT-specialist, case-reports of an American/European and of an African AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma of the palate illustrating the major symptoms of generalized lymphadenopathy, opportunistic infections, and the relevant immunological and serological features.