Multifocal hepatic lesions in AIDS: an unusual presentation of steatosis

Patients infected with HIV frequently have abnormal results on liver tests, leading to radiographic evaluation for hepatic lesions. The etiology of these lesions in patients infected with HIV is most often secondary to infections or tumors. Occasionally, focal abnormalities in the liver are identified in asymptomatic patients. The etiology and clinical course in this subset of patients are not known. However, because of concerns of tumor, an evaluation is usually warranted. We report an unusual case of multifocal hepatic steatosis presenting as multiple liver lesions in an HIV-positive patient with cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma. This case emphasizes the importance of obtaining a tissue diagnosis in this patient population.