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Cryptococcal lymphadenitis: an unusual initial presentation of HIV infection

Pia Dogbey1, Marjorie Golden, Nhu Ngo

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital, Saint Raphael Campus, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

BMJ Case Reports
|September 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cryptococcal lymphadenitis can be the first sign of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Lymph node biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, highlighting the need for timely diagnostic methods in HIV-related lymphadenopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Lymphadenopathy is a common clinical sign in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, with diverse causes.
  • Accurate and prompt diagnosis of lymphadenopathy is crucial for effective patient management and treatment initiation.

Observation:

  • This case report details cryptococcal lymphadenitis presenting as the initial manifestation of HIV infection.
  • The diagnosis was ultimately confirmed through lymph node biopsy in the reported patient.

Findings:

  • Cryptococcal lymphadenitis can serve as an early indicator of undiagnosed HIV infection.
  • Lymph node biopsy is a definitive diagnostic tool for identifying the cause of lymphadenopathy in HIV patients.

Implications:

  • Early identification of HIV through opportunistic infections like cryptococcal lymphadenitis is vital.
  • Fine needle aspiration cytology offers a rapid, cost-effective alternative for diagnosing lymphadenopathy in HIV, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.

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