A Giant Eyelid Molluscum Contagiosum Revealing an HIV Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common benign cutaneous viral infection. It can affect any part of the skin with a high propensity for facial skin, especially in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients with low CD4 count. We report a case of a 16-year-old female patient who presented with a giant isolated right upper eyelid MC lesion that served as the first clinical indicator of her HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A final diagnosis of MC was made based on the history, clinical findings, and histopathological examination. Moreover, due to its vital location, large size, and atypical presentation, a surgical excision by simple unroofing and curettage was performed under local anesthesia to speed recovery, prevent corneal complications, and reduce transmission. Her follow-up visits showed satisfactory clinical and cosmetic outcomes. Patients presenting with giant atypical eyelid lesions must be thoroughly investigated for immunosuppressive states, especially HIV infection. MC can have atypical presentations in HIV patients. To our knowledge, this is one of a few cases in the literature reporting a giant isolated eyelid MC lesion leading to a diagnosis of HIV infection with AIDS.