HIV: An Epidemiologic study on Head and Neck Involvement in 50 Patients

Abstract

<em>Introduction</em><em>:</em> <br/>Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a worldwide infection. Because of the vast array of manifestations of AIDS and its many atypical presentations, it is becoming increasingly challenging for clinicians to accurately diagnose new lesions. <br/><em>Materials and Methods</em><em>: </em><br/>In a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from 2007 to 2010, 50 patients with a proven human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection were evaluated. Based on the findings of a physical examination and paraclinic tests, HIV signs and symptoms were recorded. <br/><em> </em> <br/><em>Results:</em> <br/>The mean (range) age of the patients was 35.45 ±5.24 (5–55) years. Forty-two (84%) cases were male and eight were female. The mean duration of carrying the virus was 4.51 ±1.03 years. Oral manifestations were the most common (94%), followed by rhinologic (88%), otologic (66%), and finally neck (44%) manifestations. <br/><em> </em> <br/><em>Conclusion:</em><em> </em><br/>Head and neck presentations are very common in HIV patients; therefore otolaryngologists, as the first physicians who may encounter such patients, should be aware of this condition. <br/><span style="font-size: medium;"><em> </em></span>