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Endobronchial tuberculosis in HIV-infected patients
J L Calpe1, E Chiner, C H Larramendi
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Villajoyosa Hospital, Alicante, Spain.
AIDS (London, England)
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Endobronchial tuberculosis is likely more common in HIV-infected patients than previously thought. Diagnostic bronchoscopy in these patients may reveal a higher prevalence of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- HIV/AIDS Research
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant opportunistic infection in individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
- Endobronchial TB, affecting the airways, can present with varied radiological findings, sometimes mimicking other pulmonary conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) in patients with HIV.
- To assess the utility of diagnostic bronchoscopy in identifying EBTB in this population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of clinical records of HIV-infected patients who underwent diagnostic bronchoscopy for pulmonary symptoms over a 3-year period.
- Analysis of bronchoscopic findings, microbiological results (smear, culture), and radiological data.
Main Results:
- Out of 59 HIV-infected patients (70 bronchoscopies), 25 were diagnosed with tuberculosis, and six had confirmed endobronchial tuberculosis.
- Radiological findings included mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy in five patients; chest X-ray was normal in one case.
- Endoscopic findings varied, with hyperaemia, caseating bronchial masses, and extratracheal lymph node protrusion observed. Diagnosis was confirmed via bronchial aspirate, lavage, biopsies, or transcarinal needle aspiration.
Conclusions:
- Endobronchial tuberculosis may be underestimated in HIV-infected individuals.
- Routine diagnostic bronchoscopy in HIV-positive patients with suspected tuberculosis could provide a more accurate assessment of endobronchial involvement.