Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1989. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PATHOLOGY OF AIDS
AIDS: Modern Concepts and Therapeutic Challenges. Broder S, ed. New York, Marcel Dekker, p. 143-84, 1987.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/89650442 Jaffe ES; Katz DA; Macher AM; Hematopathology Section, Lab. of Pathology, NCI, Bethesda, MD
Abstract:
Pathological manifestations associated with AIDS are described, including the following: lymphoid and hematological lesions, opportunistic infections (protozoa, viruses, fungi, and bacteria), malignancies (Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, small cell carcinoma, and other malignancies), and neurological diseases (microglial nodules, subacute encephalitis, specific secondary infections, cerebral mass lesions, peripheral nerve disease, and neurological manifestations in pediatric cases). The pathology of AIDS is primarily the pathology of the infectious, proliferative, and neoplastic conditions that ensue as the disease progresses. The changes most closely attributable to the etiologic agent itself are those of profound lymphoid depletion secondary to the lympholytic effects of the virus. Evidence is now emerging that human T-lymphotropic virus-III also may have a primary effect on the CNS. The destruction of T lymphocytes throughout the lymphoid system disrupts the essential balance of the immune system. There is a failure of B-cell regulation, which leads to multiple autoimmune phenomena, polyclonal and oligoclonal B-cell proliferation, and B-cell lymphomas. The severe immune defect leads to disseminated opportunistic infections. Several malignancies, most importantly Kaposi's sarcoma, also occur with an increased frequency, suggesting that they too may have an infectious basis. Clinicopathologic features associated with AIDS have been surprisingly consistent from center to center and city to city. (176 Refs)
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/COMPLICATIONS/*PATHOLOGY AIDS-Related Complex/PATHOLOGY Bone Marrow/PATHOLOGY Brain/PATHOLOGY Hodgkin's Disease/PATHOLOGY Human HIV/*PATHOGENICITY Lymph Nodes/PATHOLOGY Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's/PATHOLOGY Opportunistic Infections/COMPLICATIONS/PATHOLOGY Peripheral Nerves/PATHOLOGY Sarcoma, Kaposi's/PATHOLOGY Skin Neoplasms/PATHOLOGY MONOGRAPH REVIEW REVIEW, TUTORIAL
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.