HIV Infection: Analysis of Mammographic Findings

The purpose of this study was to compare the mammographic findings of patients with HIV infection and age-matched controls and to correlate these findings in patients with HIV infection to their CD4 counts. A case-control study of the mammograms of 67 HIV-infected women and 58 age-matched controls was performed and compared for any statistically significant differences in the number, size, density, and bilaterality of axillary lymph nodes. Similar analysis of intramammary nodules and calcifications was made. These findings were correlated with the patient's CD4 counts. The presence of axillary nodes and bilaterality of the nodes was equivalent in both HIV-positive patients and controls. However, the nodes of HIV-infected women were statistically larger and denser. When the criteria of large (>/=2 cm), absent, fatty hilum and increased density were used in this study, the presence of HIV infection was high. Benign-appearing nodules and calcifications were equally common in HIV and control patients. CD4 counts did not correlate with any of the axillary node or intramammary nodule features. In patients with large (>/=2 cm), dense axillary nodes without fatty hila, the diagnosis of HIV infection should be considered.