Abdominal Ultrasonography in HIV/AIDS Patients in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background

Though the major target of the HIV-virus is the immune system, the frequency of abdominal disorders in HIV/AIDS patients has been reported to be second only to pulmonary disease. These abdominal manifestations may be on the increase as the use of antlretroviral therapy has increased life expectancy and improved quality of life. Ultrasonography is an easy to perform, non invasive, inexpensive and safe imaging technique that is invaluable in Africa where AIDS is most prevalent and where sophisticated diagnostic tools are not readily available.

Purpose: To describe the findings and evaluate the clinical utility of abdominal uitrasonography in t patients in Ibadan, Nigeria

Methods: A Prospective evaluation of the abdominal ultrasonography of '391 HN-positive patients as well as 391 age at matched HIV-negative patients were carried out at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Results: Of the 391 cases studied, 260 (66.5%) were females; the mean age was 38.02 years, (range 15-66 years). ' was most prevalent in the 4th decade with an incidence of 40.4%. Compared with the HN-negative individua group of patients had a significantly Wr pmpomn of yrrlenomegsly (13.5% vs. 7.7%; p < 0.01), lymphac (2.0°h vs. 1.3Oh; p < 0.70), and renal abnormalities (8.4% vs. 3.B0h; p c 0.02). There were no differences ir pancreatic abnormalities between the HN+ and HN- groups. There were significantly fewer gallstones in the (1.4% vs. 5.1%; p < 0.01).

Conclusion: AIDS is a multi-systemic disease and its demographic and clinical pattern remains the same globally. Ultrasor optimally suited for its clinical management especially in Africa. Its accuracy and sensitivity may be much iml clinico-patboJogic cornlation which may not be readily avaiJabJe in developing countries; furlher studies may much needed diagnostic algorithms.