HIV Associated Manifestations in Otorhinolaryngology - Case Presentation

Introduction The most frequent manifestations of HIV infection in the ENT include oral diseases, the main ones being candidiasis, gum disease and paradontosis, infections with herpes simplex virus and papilloma virus. [1] This paper presents a particular case of HIV associated manifestation in the ENT sphere. Material and Methods The case presented is that of a 37-year old patient with 7-year-old HIV infection, and swelling in the right hemitongue. Common blood tests (haemogram, ionogram, biochemistry, coagulation) were taken and a computed tomography with contrast substance was performed. The patient underwent antibiotic and steroid anti-inflammatory treatment and, after obtaining the results of computed tomography, biopsy was taken from the lingual mass. Samples for bacteriological, mycological and virological examinations were taken too. Results The result of the haemogram was that of Stage C3 AIDS, with no significant alterations to the rest of the parameters analysed. The neck computer tomography scan revealed a diffuse densification on the right side of the mouthpiece and half of the right tongue, without proper collections or tumoral masses. The result of the biopsy was non-specific granulomatous inflammation. The diagnosis was made by the virological examination which revealed infection in the oral lesion with Citomegalovirus, Enterovirus and Herpes Simplex 1. Conclusions ENT manifestations of HIV infection can be extremely varied, starting from simple oral candidiasis to individual cases such as this one. Although progress has been made in the treatment of the disease with antiretroviral therapy, the manifestations described above may be a therapeutic failure. Close cooperation between the ENT physician and the infectious physician is needed, both for a correct diagnosis and for an adequate treatment of these complex patients.