Otorhinolaryngological findings in AIDS patients: a study of 63 cases

Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) frequently show signs and symptoms involving the head and neck. We reviewed the clinical histories of 63 cases with AIDS, with patients treated from 1982 to December 1985, in our hospital. Findings referable to the head and neck were seen in 43 patients. Comparison with a previous study in San Francisco revealed remarkable differences. We found otolaryngological manifestations in 68% of the patients in contrast to 41% in this latter study. We saw more rapidly increasing neck masses, a greater incidence of shortness of breath and chronic cough, and an increased occurrence of candidiasis. The number of cases with Kaposi's sarcoma lesions was equal in both studies.