Chest radiographic changes of pulmonary infections in paediatric HIV patients

Abstract

This study focuses on the radiographic findings in paediatric HIV pulmonary disease reviewing the prior observations in literature but trying to analyse and establish the pattern detectable amongst our patient group. Critical radiological analysis of the chest radiographs of these 22 patients revealed that focal infiltrates was the main and most common feature [95%], major lymphadenopathy followed with 26.1%. Prominent hilar and the compound feature of prominent bronchovascular markings [BVM] with focal infiltrates and overaeration were not observed in our sample. Bilaterality of lesions and ‘mottle’ pattern prevailed when focal infiltrates were further analysed. Most of the observed mottle were already coalescing. The right upper zone was the most commonly affected zone. The celebrated reticulonodular pattern was observed in only five cases. Features documented in literature as seen early or late in the disease were characteristically absent in our sample. Present study is of the opinion that these subtle observed variances in our sample are likely subject to a combination of endemic factors of, late presentation and thus malnutrition.