Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
10:29
Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Published on: May 9, 2025
Antiretroviral therapy associated mastopathy
Smita Sankaye1, Sushil Kachewar
1Senior Resident in Pathology, Rural Medical College, PIMS, Loni, India.
The Australasian Medical Journal
|October 2, 2012
Summary
Bilateral breast enlargement, a rare side effect of antiretroviral therapy, is linked to HIV lipodystrophy syndrome. Early detection and patient counseling can prevent unnecessary mastectomy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial for managing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- ART can lead to various metabolic and morphologic changes, including lipodystrophy syndrome.
- Bilateral breast enlargement is an uncommon manifestation associated with HIV lipodystrophy syndrome.
Observation:
- A case of bilateral breast enlargement in a patient undergoing ART is presented.
- The condition, termed antiretroviral therapy-associated mastopathy, mimics other breast pathologies.
- Clinical suspicion and imaging are key for diagnosis.
Findings:
- Antiretroviral therapy-associated mastopathy is a rare but recognized side effect of HIV treatment.
- This condition is part of the broader spectrum of HIV lipodystrophy syndrome.
- Prompt diagnosis can avert invasive procedures like mastectomy.
Implications:
- Increased awareness among clinicians can prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgeries.
- Adequate patient counseling is vital for managing anxiety associated with breast changes.
- Further research into the mechanisms of ART-associated mastopathy may refine treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
01:29Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is the clinical practice of measuring specific drug levels in a patient's blood or body tissues to manage and optimize therapy. TDM is crucial for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows, like warfarin and phenytoin, where incorrect doses can lead to treatment failure or severe side effects. This monitoring ensures the dosage administered is within a safe and effective range. The factors affecting therapeutic drug monitoring include:Patient-Specific Factors:a.
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...