Demonstration of human herpesvirus 8 in a case of primary vaginal epithelioid angiosarcoma by in situ hybridization, electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction

Diagn Mol Pathol. 2002 Sep;11(3):146-51. doi: 10.1097/00019606-200209000-00004.

Abstract

We demonstrate the presence of human herpesvirsus 8 (HHV-8) in a primary vaginal location of angiosarcoma (AS) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in situ hybridization, and ultrastructural direct visualization of viral particles. The latter two techniques for the first time confirm HHV-8 detection in an AS by PCR; these results contribute to the debate caused by the controversial data produced by the almost exclusive use of PCR for investigating the possible presence of HHV-8 in AS, and its possible implications. Moreover, the investigated AS is the seventh published primary vaginal one, and the fourth unrelated to radiotherapy. Interestingly, the affected patient had used a ring pessary for 10 years because of an uterovaginal prolapse.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Epithelioid Cells / pathology
  • Epithelioid Cells / virology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Hemangiosarcoma / metabolism
  • Hemangiosarcoma / secondary
  • Hemangiosarcoma / virology*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / complications*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / metabolism
  • Herpesviridae Infections / pathology
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / virology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • DNA, Viral