K. Holcomb et al., RAPID PROGRESSION TO INVASIVE CERVIX CANCER IN A WOMAN INFECTED WITH THE HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS, Obstetrics and gynecology, 91(5), 1998, pp. 848-850
Background: Previous studies have shown an increased risk of cervical
dysplasia in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a
s well as an increased risk of progression to higher-grade lesions. It
is not known whether the rate of progression is accelerated over that
in immunocompetent women. Case: During September 1991, an HIV-positiv
e woman underwent conization of the cervix showing carcinoma in situ.
The surgical margins and endocervical curettings were negative for dys
plasia. Papanicolaou smears 4 and 7 months after the conization also w
ere negative. She then presented 33 months postconization with a stage
Ib2 cervical carcinoma, which proved resistant to chemotherapy and pe
lvic radiation. Conclusion: Immunosuppression caused by HIV infection
may cause a more rapid progression of cervical intraepithelial lesions
to carcinoma. (C) 1998 by The American College of Obstetricians and G
ynecologists.