Low dose radiotherapy for adenotonsillar lymphoid hyperplasia in HIV-positive patients

Lymphoid hyperplasia is common in HIV positive patients. The aim of this study was to determine the response to radiotherapy. Thirty-three adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis or upper airway obstruction due to tonsillar hyperplasia and conformed histology of follicular hyperplasia were included. Thirteen underwent a 24 Gy course of radiotherapy and were followed up for a minimum of 16 weeks post-radiotherapy. There was a statistically significant decrease in the median tonsillar size (95% confidence interval [-3;-2]) and in the median CD4 count (95% CI [3;152]) after 16 weeks. None of the patients had acute tonsillitis or airway obstruction after radiotherapy. Low dose radiotherapy is effective in the management of adenotonsillar hyperplasia in HIV positive patients.