Vascular surgical complications of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

The past twenty years has seen an explosive rise in the number of individuals infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In sub-Saharan Africa, the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the leading cause of death among young adults with little sign of abating. Immunosuppression and opportunistic infections associated with HIV infection have been responsible for various unusual and unique surgical syndromes that have only recently been described. This review examines the vascular surgical complications of the disease with particular regard to HIV-associated vasculitides, aneurysms and occlusive disease and the implications for management.