Table 1.

Multifactorial etiopathogenesis of Kaposi’s sarcoma^a

KS variant	Herpesvirus	Factors affecting immune system functions	Vasoactive agents
Classic	HHV-8	Aging-related T-cell immune deficiency	ACE inhibitors
Endemic	HHV-8	Environment (parasites, diet, herbs) Drugs (antimalarials)	Aluminosilicates and iron oxides taken up by lymphatics
Iatrogenic	HHV-8	Steroids; immunosuppressants	ACE inhibitors
Epidemic	HHV-8	HIV infection of T-cells; quinine and heroin	Nitrite inhalants

ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme; HHV, human herpesvirus; KS, Kaposi’s sarcoma.

^aModified from Haverkos.⁵⁷