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Extensive vascular calcification in a patient with perinatally acquired AIDS
1Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of New Jersey, United Hospitals Medical Center, 15 South Ninth Street, Newark, NJ 07107, USA.
Insights
Extensive vascular calcification was observed in an 8-year-old girl with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This case highlights a rare complication in pediatric AIDS, involving widespread arterial calcification.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children can lead to various complications.
- Vascular complications, such as calcification, are not commonly reported in pediatric HIV.
- Understanding the spectrum of HIV-related comorbidities is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old girl with perinatally acquired AIDS presented with severe vascular calcification.
- Complicating factors included cardiomyopathy, chronic lung disease, disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), and wasting syndrome.
- Imaging (abdominal films and CT) revealed dense calcification of major abdominal vessels.
Findings:
- Autopsy confirmed calcification in the media of most major vessels, consistent with HIV arteriopathy.
- This represents a rare and extensive manifestation of vascular calcification in pediatric AIDS.
- Literature review found no similar descriptions of such severe vascular calcification in pediatric HIV cases.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe, atypical vascular complications in children with advanced HIV.
- It suggests a need for heightened awareness and potential screening for vascular disease in pediatric HIV patients.
- Further research into the mechanisms of HIV-related arteriopathy in children is warranted.
Abstract:
Extensive vascular calcification in an 8-year-old girl with perinatally acquired AIDS is reported. Complicating factors included cardiomyopathy, chronic lung disease, disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), and wasting syndrome with total nutrition dependence. Plain abdominal films and CT of the abdomen immediately prior to her death revealed dense calcification of major vessels. Autopsy revealed calcification in the media of most major vessels typical of HIV arteriopathy. A review of the literature failed to reveal a description of similar vascular calcifications in pediatric AIDS.