AIDS-Related Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Imaging Feature Analysis of 27 Cases and Correlation with Pathologic Findings

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Some tumor types are related to HIV, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The morbidityand mortality of NHL has remained high, even after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was introduced.We collected cases of AIDS with NHL, and evaluated the imaging features and strategies for diagnosis. Materialsand <br/><b>Methods</b>: There were 27 patients with AIDS and tumors confirmed by pathology. There were 9 patients withBurkitt lymphoma, 16 with diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCLs), and 2 with primary central nervous system(PCNS) lymphomas. All of the patients underwent a series of imaging studies. Three radiologists analyzed theimages, and any disagreement was discussed until consensus was reached. <br/><b>Results</b>: The radiologic manifestationsof AIDS with NHL were mainly masses and lymphadenopathy, 3 patients having one mass and 12 two or moremasses. 7 patients had lymphadenopathy in one site and 3patients had lymphadenopathy in two or more sites.Coarse mucosal folds, thickening of the gastrointestinal wall, and lumen narrowing were typical manifestationsof NHL within the gastrointestinal tract. There were 4 patients with masses and 5 with lymphadenopathyinthe 9 with Burkitt lymphoma, and 11 patients with masses 5 with lymphadenopathy in the 16 with DLBCLs.<br/><b>Conclusion</b>: NHL is a malignancy that usually occurs in patients with AIDS. Imaging is an important method bywhich to evaluate lesions, masses, and lymphadenopathy. Fine needle aspiration biopsy and stereotaxis biopsyare useful methods by which to diagnose NHL.