Retrospective series of patients with HIV infection and NHL with pathologically documented lung or pleural involvement. A university and a county hospital in San Francisco. Thirty-eight patients with HIV infection and NHL involving the lungs or pleura. BAL and bronchial brushing were never diagnostic. NHL with pulmonary involvement occurs primarily in patients with advanced HIV infection.
Most patients have nodules, infiltrates, or masses by thoracic imaging and autopsy.
Thoracic lymphadenopathy is much more common than previously believed. Transbronchial biopsy, pleural fluid cytologic study, and open lung biopsy are the most useful diagnostic procedures. The lesion was the first evidence of his HIV-positivity. It is, therefore, imperative that clinicians should consider a diagnosis of HIV infection in cases of non-healing extraction wounds in patients in high risk categories. Although the search strategy has been refined as best as possible, citations may appear that are not directly related to the topic, and occasionally relevant references may be omitted.