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  • Title: [Pericarditis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome].
    Author: Malu K, Longo-Mbenza B, Lurhuma Z, Odio W.
    Journal: Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss; 1988 Feb; 81(2):207-11. PubMed ID: 3130820.
    Abstract:
    In order to evaluate the frequency and clinical features of pericarditis caused by the HIV virus, 17 patients (mean age 28 years) presenting with pericarditis were investigated at the University Clinics of Mont-Amba (Zaïre), between January, 1985 and December, 1986. The clinical diagnosis of AIDS had been made on the basis of the WHO criteria. An ELISA test, a tuberculin test and a T4-lymphocyte count were performed in all patients. Cardiovascular explorations were limited to electrocardiography, radiography of the chest, echocardiography and pericardial needle aspiration. HIV pericarditis accounted for 50 p. 100 of all cases of pericarditis. It was either dry or effusive with little fluid, and its clinical signs at the early stage of AIDS were retrosternal pain and pericardial friction rub. A search for anti-HIV antibodies may be negative at that stage. Diagnostic errors can be avoided if the tuberculin test is negative and if an ELISA test is performed repeatedly at 3 weeks' intervals. Pericarditis should be counted among the minor signs of AIDS. Cardiac manifestations have not attracted the attention of AIDS researchers as much as pulmonary, digestive tract, and nervous system effects. Recent autopsies on AIDS patients, however, have revealed cardiac lesions of several types, including pericarditis. To evaluate the frequency and clinical aspects of pericarditis due to HIV infection, 17 subjects with AIDS-associated pericarditis were studied at the University Clinics in Mont-Amba, Kinshasa, Zaire, between January 1985-December 1986. Subjects ranged in age from 20-50 years and averaged 28 years. 11 women were prostitutes and 6 men reported having at least 5 sexual partners. The clinical diagnosis of AIDS was based on World Health Organization criteria. An ELISA test, a tuberculin test, and a T-4 lymphocyte count were prepared for each patient. All 17 had an electrocardiogram, a radiography of the chest, and echocardiography, and 12 had pericardial needle aspiration. HIV pericarditis accounted for 50% of cases of pericarditis in the service. It was either dry or effusive with little fluid. Its clinical signs at the early stages of AIDS were retrosternal pain and pericardial friction rub. A search for anti-HIV antibodies may be negative at the early stages, but diagnostic errors can be avoided if the tuberculin test is negative a if an ELISA test is repeated at 3 week intervals. Pericarditis can be considered 1 of the minor signs of AIDS.
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