[Pericarditis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]

In order to evaluate the frequency and clinical features of pericarditis caused by the HIV virus, 17 patients (mean age 28 years) presenting with pericarditis were investigated at the University Clinics of Mont-Amba (Zaïre), between January, 1985 and December, 1986. The clinical diagnosis of AIDS had been made on the basis of the WHO criteria. An ELISA test, a tuberculin test and a T4-lymphocyte count were performed in all patients. Cardiovascular explorations were limited to electrocardiography, radiography of the chest, echocardiography and pericardial needle aspiration. HIV pericarditis accounted for 50 p. 100 of all cases of pericarditis. It was either dry or effusive with little fluid, and its clinical signs at the early stage of AIDS were retrosternal pain and pericardial friction rub. A search for anti-HIV antibodies may be negative at that stage. Diagnostic errors can be avoided if the tuberculin test is negative and if an ELISA test is performed repeatedly at 3 weeks' intervals. Pericarditis should be counted among the minor signs of AIDS.