Infectious Disease: HIV Manifestations in ENT
High-Yield Revision for NEET PG
Patients with HIV often present with ENT manifestations that serve as the first clinical clue to their immunocompromised status.
1. Common ENT Manifestations
| Region | Common Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Oral Cavity | Oral Candidiasis (often the first sign), Hairy Leukoplakia (EBV), Kaposi’s Sarcoma. |
| Neck | Generalized Lymphadenopathy, Mycobacterial infections (TB). |
| Ear/Nose | Recurrent Otitis Media, Sinusitis (often aggressive/fungal), Otitis Externa. |
2. NEET PG High-Yield Pearls
- Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: Associated with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Appears as white, corrugated patches on the lateral borders of the tongue. It is not a precancerous lesion.
- Kaposi’s Sarcoma: The most common HIV-associated malignancy. Often presents as painless, violet/reddish-purple plaques in the hard palate or gingiva.
- Oropharyngeal Candidiasis: Pseudomembranous type is most common. If refractory or recurrent, suspect HIV.
- Sinusitis: HIV patients often have fungal sinusitis (e.g., Mucormycosis), which is an aggressive, necrotizing condition requiring surgical debridement and antifungal therapy.
- Cervical Adenopathy: Persistent Generalized Lymphadenopathy (PGL) is common; however, always rule out Lymphoma or TB with FNAC/Biopsy.
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