[AIDS manifestations in otorhinolaryngology]

The otorhinolaryngological signs of AIDS are reviewed (both analysis and synthesis) following the chronological order of the literature. The earliest clinical pictures, their frequency and time of onset, are described by the authors studied. In 1986 the ENT signs of this disease were well known, and in our region the same multiple, polyfacetic aspects are seen. Personal experience of this is described, emphasizing how seldom the diagnosis has been made, except early on. Usually the cases seen and diagnosed by the Department of Infectious Diseases were referred for specialist opinion. The commonest findings were, amongst the opportunist infections: oropharyngeal and oesophageal candidiasis, and tuberculous adenopathies. Classical ENT pathology was represented by sinusitis and to a lesser extent by otitis and tonsillitis. The tumours seen were non-Hodgkin lymphomas, but no Hodgkin's or Burkitt's lymphomas. There was an unusual case of 'high grade centroblastic lymphoma', localized to the tonsil and presenting as necrotic tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess. Recently a patient with a large pharyngeal tumour (still being investigated) has been provisionally diagnosed as having a cavernous angioma. Both these patients were diagnosed by us, since we saw the first sign of the disease. We have seen few Kaposi's sarcomas, since cutaneous and oral lesions are not usually referred to us.