Pediatric HIV infection in its second decade--the changing pattern of lung involvement. Clinical, plain film, and computed tomographic findings

Abstract

The changing pattern of pediatric HIV infection is illustrated in this article with plain films and computed tomographic scans. Today, vertical transmission from infected mothers results in HIV infection of exposed infants in about one third of pregnancies. Although the high mortality with catastrophic illnesses such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia seen in early life appears to be decreasing, chronic illness with pulmonary involvement due to diffuse lymphocytic infiltrative syndromes continues. Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis (LIP) has evolved in some patients to cystic lung disease and bronchiectasis. There are increasing numbers of patients infected with Mycobacterium. Masses seemingly of smooth muscle origin, thought to be leiomyosarcoma are appearing; they may be pseudotumors related to concomitant Mycobacterium avium intracellulare infection.