[Pulmonary manifestations in HIV patients: role of thoracic radiography, CT and HRCT].

AIM

To determine the prevalence of pulmonary changes on chest radiographs and computed tomography (CT/HRCT) in HIV patients and their relation to pulmonary symptoms.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

64 HIV patients were examined prospectively. 15 had no respiratory symptoms (group I), 30 had non-specific respiratory symptoms (group II), 19 complained of dyspnoea (group III). Chest radiographs and CT were performed within a week. In patients with positive findings, bronchoscopy was carried out with bacteriological and histological examinations.

RESULTS

In group 1, 13% of chest radiographs and 40% of CTs showed infiltrative changes. In group II, the figures were 27% and 57% respectively. In group III, abnormalities were found in all cases by both examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of pulmonary symptoms, imaging is not indicated since it has no clinical consequences. In the presence of pulmonary symptoms, CT/HRCT should be performed whether the chest radiograph is normal or not, since it may reveal additional information.