Sarcoidosis and HIV infection: a case report and a review of the literature

Postgrad Med J. 2003 Sep;79(935):535-8. doi: 10.1136/pmj.79.935.535.

Abstract

Sarcoidosis occurring in patients with AIDS is rare. This infrequent association has been attributed to the impairment of the immune system that may interfere with the granuloma formation in HIV infected patients. However, the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has brought about a substantial and sustained increase in CD4+ T lymphocyte cells, and has consequently led to the development of the so called "immune restoration disease". The case of an HIV infected man who developed sarcoidosis after the initiation of HAART is described. Skin nodule images and histological specimens are reported. The association between sarcoidosis and HIV infection is also reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / adverse effects
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sarcoidosis / chemically induced
  • Sarcoidosis / drug therapy
  • Sarcoidosis / virology*
  • Skin Diseases / chemically induced
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases / virology*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones