Trans-abdominal ultrasonic findings correlated with CD4+ counts in adult HIV-infected patients in Benin, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to document the abdominal ultrasound findings in HIV infected patients and compare it with their CD4+ count. Patients and method: 300 confirmed HIV positive patients had abdominal ultrasonography done at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital from November 2007 to January 2008. Each patient’s sonographic findings were correlated with their CD4+ category using the WHO’s HIV classification index. Result: Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, renomegaly, hyperechoic splenic parenchyma, increased renal echogenicity and lymphadenopathy are among the common sonographic findings. However, few of these findings correlated statistically with the CD4+ count. Conclusion: The versatile diagnostic tool, ultrasound, should continue to be an important imaging equipment in several impoverished communities. In the evaluation of HIV infected patients, its use is invaluable and should be promoted.

Correlation between Abdominal Ultrasonographic Findings and CD4 Cell Count in Adult Patients with HIV/AIDS in Jos, Nigeria

“…This is at variance with the finding of Igbinedion et al [3] who studied three hundred HIV positive patients [3] and Nzi et al [29]. These findings (hepatomegaly and increased liver echotexture) did not correlate with the patients Table 10).…”

“…In this study, 6.4% had increased renal parenchymal echogenicity and 2.4% had enlarged kidneys. These findings did not correlate with [3]. Renal cyst and calyceal dilatation were seen in 1.2% and 0.6% respectively which are non specific and were not investigated further.…”

“…These findings did not correlate with Table 10). In a related study, Igbinedion et al [3] documented thickened gallbladder wall and gall stones in 7.3% and 4.7% of the patients respectively, whereas Obajimi et al [2] recorded gall stones in 1.3% of patients. Pawar et al [28] in a similar study recorded thickened gallbladder wall in 9.0%, gallbladder sludge in 6.0% and gall stones in 4.0% of patients which did not correlate with 4 CD + count.…”

“…Different abnormal abdominal sonographic findings were recorded in 60.0% (Table 8). Smith et al [27] and Igbinedion et al [3] (Table 8). …”

“…Radiological procedures are essential in both diagnostic and interventional roles. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) better characterize HIV-related abdominal diseases but are expensive and are scarce in the typically impoverished, HIV-infected sub-Saharan region [3]. Ultrasonography is easy to per-…”