Sonographic detection of abdominal pathologies in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients and its correlation with CD4 counts – A prospective analysis

Abstract

Objectives: Abdominal pathologies are the second most common after pulmonary diseases in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients. Ultrasonography (USG) is a vital imaging technique for the evaluation of abdominal pathologies. This study was aimed at evaluating the abdominal pathologies using USG in HIV/AIDS and further analysis of its correlation with CD4 count. Material and Methods: The present study was carried out on 392 HIV-positive patients with abnormal abdominal sonographic findings. All data were analyzed by Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance using SPSS 16.0 software. Results: Of these 392 patients, 66.3% were males, the mean age was 35.7 years, (range 7–64 years) and most of them were in 4th decade. On ultrasonographic evaluation, spleen was involved in 45.2% patients and liver as well as lymph nodes each was involved in 43.6% patients. Other cases displayed ascites and bowel thickening in 5.3% and 3.8% patients, respectively. Less involvement of kidney (2.3%), pancreas (1.5%), and biliary system (1.3%) was observed. In addition, pathologies such as hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, splenic microabscess, focal pancreatic lesion, mesenteric, and periportal lymphadenopathy showed significant correlation with CD4 counts. Lymphoma was found in 1% of patients, involving liver, pancreas, and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Conclusion: Our study highlights the clinical utility of abdominal USG in HIV/AIDS patients. CD4 counts largely affect the differential diagnosis in HIV/AIDS patients. USG findings interpreted in the context of CD4 count may help in guiding the exact diagnosis.