Spectrum of morphological changes in lymph nodes of HIV infected patients with lymphadenopathy

Abstract

Lymphadenopathy is frequent in persons with HIV infection, occurring either as one of the earliest manifestations of infection or as a finding at any time during the course of disease. The evaluation of lymph node morphology has been one approach to diagnosis and in understanding the nature of the immune dysfunction in these conditions. To identify the various causes of lymphadenitis and evaluate the various morphologic patterns in HIV positive patients with lymphadenopathy.: Total eighty lymph node biopsies were examined. Six lymph nodes were found to be inadequate. The precise history of the patients which included ESR, fever, opportunistic infection, any other complaints, CD4+, CD8+ counts were noted. The different histological changes in the lymph nodes were evaluated. Special stain was used to detect the microorganisms. Reactive hyperplasia was the most common cause of lymphadenitis. Type B pattern was seen in most of the patients. The type of pattern correlated with the CD4 counts. Tuberculosis was the most common opportunistic infection.Lymph nodes biopsy is a valuable tool in the evaluation of HIV positive patients to identify the cause of lymphadenopathy.