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Chronic pancreatic alterations in AIDS patients
S Evrard1, J L Van Laethem, D Urbain
1Department of Gastroenterology, Erasme and St-Pierre University Hospitals, Brussels, Belgium.
Pancreas
|November 5, 1999
Summary
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients frequently develop biliary issues like sclerosing cholangitis. This study reveals a significant rate of chronic pancreatic duct changes in AIDS patients, unrelated to biliary tract issues or infections.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can develop biliary and pancreatic disorders.
- Chronic pancreatic changes in AIDS patients are rare and poorly described.
- Sclerosing cholangitis and acute pancreatitis are known biliary and pancreatic complications of AIDS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) findings in 20 patients with AIDS.
- To focus on pancreatographic changes in patients with advanced AIDS.
- To correlate ERCP findings with opportunistic infections and antiviral therapies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ERCP findings in 20 patients with advanced AIDS.
- Exclusion of patients with a history of chronic alcoholism.
- Correlation of ERCP findings with opportunistic infections and antiviral therapies.
Main Results:
- Bile duct abnormalities (55%) and pancreatic duct abnormalities (37%) were observed.
- Bile duct lesions were mainly sclerosing cholangitis.
- Chronic pancreatic alterations included side-branch involvement, diffuse main duct strictures, and diffuse main pancreatic duct dilatation.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion (37%) of AIDS patients exhibit chronic pancreatic ductal changes.
- These pancreatic changes do not appear to be related to biliary tract alterations or opportunistic infections.
- Opportunistic infections correlated with sclerosing cholangitis but not chronic pancreatic changes.