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Updated: Jul 30, 2026

Processing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Matched Blood for Alveolar Macrophage and CD4+ T-cell Immunophenotyping and HIV Reservoir Assessment
Published on: June 23, 2019
Thoracoscopy in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
D R Flum1, S D Steinberg, T R Bernik
1St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center, New York Medical College, N.Y., USA.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is effective for treating empyema and pneumothorax in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Early intervention offers acceptable survival rates with low operative risks.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- The management of thoracic conditions in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) presents unique challenges.
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has emerged as a less invasive option for thoracic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes, morbidity, and mortality of VATS for empyema and pneumothorax in patients with AIDS.
- To assess the long-term survival associated with VATS in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of patients with AIDS undergoing VATS for empyema or intractable pneumothorax.
- Data collected included operative procedures, perioperative details, morbidity, mortality, and survival rates.
Main Results:
- Twenty patients with AIDS underwent VATS for empyema (n=11) or pneumothorax (n=9).
- Overall 30-day mortality was 15%, with a mean follow-up survival of 55% at 29 months.
- Empyema patients had higher 30-day survival (90.9%) compared to pneumothorax patients (78%).
Conclusions:
- VATS is an effective treatment for empyema and pneumothorax in patients with AIDS.
- The procedure is associated with low operative morbidity and mortality and acceptable long-term survival.
- Timely VATS intervention following diagnosis is recommended for optimal outcomes.
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