HIV-associated parotid lymphoepithelial cysts.

BACKGROUND

An outstanding feature of the diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome, or DILS, a subset of HIV-1 disease, is asymptomatic bilateral parotid swelling. Recognition of the entity is important because people with this disease will seek routine dental care.

CASE DESCRIPTION

The authors present a classic case of DILS. The patient exhibited bilateral parotid swellings caused by lymphoepithelial cysts, cervical lymphadenopathy, a CD8 circulating lymphocytosis and a CD8 lymphocytic infiltration into the labial salivary glands. A right superficial parotidectomy had been performed several years previously. However, no intervention was advised for the remaining left parotid because of its benign course.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Since patients with DILS can develop lymphomas, periodic observation is mandatory. Any change in the growth pattern requires that a fine-needle aspiration biopsy be performed.