Related Experiment Videos
Arterial aneurysms associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
N Sinzobahamvya1, K Kalangu, W Hämel-Kalinowski
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovacular Surgery, Parirenyatwa Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Insights
This study found four arterial aneurysms in three patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Infectious causes were identified, suggesting a potential increase in aneurysms within the HIV-positive population.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Arterial aneurysms are localized dilations of arteries.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with various vascular complications.
- The link between HIV and arterial aneurysms requires further investigation.
Observation:
- Four arterial aneurysms were identified in three HIV-infected patients.
- Affected arteries included the common carotid arteries and the abdominal aorta.
- Patients presented with varying stages of HIV infection, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Findings:
- Infectious etiologies were suspected for the aneurysms.
- Specific identified or suspected pathogens included Staphylococcus epidermidis, tuberculosis, and syphilis.
- A viral arteritis mechanism was also postulated in one case.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential association between HIV infection and arterial aneurysms.
- An increased incidence of arterial aneurysms may be expected in the HIV-positive population.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and confirm the association.
Abstract:
The authors report four arterial aneurysms seen in three patients infected by HIV. The aneurysms affected: 1) the left common carotid artery in a young man HIV carrier, 2) the right common carotid artery and the abdominal aorta in a woman with AIDS, 3) the right common carotid artery in a patient with AIDS-related complex. The aetiology was found to be infectious, respectively: 1) staphylococcus epidermidis (certain), 2) tuberculosis or another undetected infection (possible), 3) staphylococcus epidermidis or syphilis (highly probable). A viral arteritis mechanism is also postulated in the second case. If this association of aneurysms with HIV infection is not fortuitous, an increase of aneurysm incidence in HIV infected population is to be expected.