MASSIVE PULMONARY EMBOLISM: A RARE PRESENTATION OF ACUTE HIV-1 INFECTION.

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Infectious Diseases
• Hematology

Background:

• Acute Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a clinical syndrome that can manifest in diverse ways.
• Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a rare but serious complication of acute HIV infection.
• The prothrombotic state associated with HIV infection is multifactorial, involving endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation, and inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on acute HIV infection presenting as VTE.
• To elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms linking HIV infection to hypercoagulability.
• To raise awareness among clinicians regarding this rare presentation of acute HIV.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of case reports and case series describing VTE in the context of acute HIV infection.
• Analysis of proposed pathophysiological pathways contributing to hypercoagulability in HIV.
• Synthesis of clinical and laboratory findings from reported cases.

Main Results:

• Case reports of VTE during acute HIV infection are infrequent, highlighting its rarity.
• Multiple pathways contribute to HIV-associated hypercoagulability, including immune activation, cytokine release, and direct viral effects.
• VTE can be an early indicator of acute HIV infection in specific patient populations.

Conclusions:

• While rare, VTE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with unexplained thromboembolic events, particularly those with risk factors for HIV.
• Understanding the hypercoagulable state in HIV is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
• Further research is warranted to fully delineate the incidence and management strategies for VTE in acute HIV infection.