UNUSUAL LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE DISORDERS IN 9 ADULTS WITH HIV OR AIDS - CT AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS

PURPOSE: To identify characteristic computed tomographic (CT) findings in unusual pulmonary lymphoproliferative disorders seen in adults wit h the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively re viewed the CT scans and pathologic specimens from nine patients with p ulmonary lymphoproliferative disorders. CT scans were evaluated for no dules, reticulation, areas of ground-glass attenuation, consolidation, and bronchial disease. Changes seen in pathologic specimens were clas sified as consistent with classic lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis (LIP), mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALTOMA), or atypi cal lymphoproliferative disorder (ALD). Immunopathologic results were reviewed when available. RESULTS: Eight patients had AIDS. Five patien ts had classic LIP. One patient had MALTOMA, and three patients had AL D. Altogether, 2-4-mm-diameter nodules were the predominant CT finding in eight patients; these were peribronchovascular in four patients. T he presence of interstitial nodules correlated with the pathologic fin ding of nodular disease in seven patients. CONCLUSION. Familiarity wit h these AIDS-related disorders and their CT appearance should assist i n the differential diagnosis.