Primary lymph node pathology in AIDS and AIDS-related lymphadenopathy

Lymph nodes of patients symptomatically infected with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) virus show a spectrum of morphologic changes ranging from marked lymphoid hyperplasia to marked lymphocytic depletion. These changes can be grouped into three distinct patterns. The type I pattern features follicular and paracortical hyperplasia, and is associated with chronic lymphadenopathy. The type II pattern, which shows diffuse lymphoid hyperplasia but loss of germinal centers, signifies evolution of chronic lymphadenopathy to AIDS. The type III pattern shows marked lymphocytic depletion and represents the end-stage lymph node seen in fatal AIDS. These histologic patterns are closely correlated with the clinical and immunologic status of patients infected with the AIDS virus.