Fever and Generalised Lymphadenopathy in an HIV-Positive Patient: a Diagnostic Challenge

Neves, B; Raimundo, P; Farinha, P

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.17/2747

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Authors

Neves, B

Raimundo, P

Farinha, P

Abstract(s)

Fever and generalised lymphadenopathy is a common presentation of a variety of diseases and a thorough investigation is often necessary for appropriate diagnosis.We present a 53-year-old male patient admitted with fever, weight loss of 15 kg in 3 months and abdominal discomfort. Examination was only remarkable for axillary and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Blood tests showed normocytic normochromic anaemia, cholestasis and a previously unknown HIV-1 infection with lymphocyte CD4 +count of 239 cells/mm(3) and viral load 3.172.370 copies/mL. A body CT scan showed multiple axillary, mediastinal, lumbar, aortic, iliac and pelvic lymphadenopathy as well as hepatosplenomegaly. An excisional biopsy of the left axillary lymphadenopathy was performed and histology ultimately revealed multicentric Castleman's disease associated with Human Herpes Virus-8. After initiation of antiretroviral therapy, rituximab was given and progressive clinical improvement occurred.

Keywords

CHLC ANPAT Castleman Disease/complications Castleman Disease/diagnosis Castleman Disease/diagnostic imaging Diagnosis, Differential Fever/etiology HIV Infections Lymphadenopathy/etiology Viral Load