| [ Summary ] |
The number of AIDS patients infected with HIV is on the increase worldwide. Because of the number of malignant tumors and enterocolitis accompanying HIV infections is so high, an early diagnosis is very important.
We examined endoscopic findings and differential diagnosis in regard to HIV infection. In cases of Kaposi's sarcomas, a blood blister or bright red imbricate pattern is often observed. Employing magnifying endoscopy, minute Kaposi's sarcoma lesions exhibiting swollen intestinal villi, sparse type I pit patterns, and red mucosa, with clear boundaries may be observed. We may also observe candidiasis, CMV infections, amebiasis, HSV infections or MAC infections in conjunction with AIDS. In these cases, we were able to formulate a differential diagnosis by fully examining erosions, ulcerations or protruded areas with endoscopy (including magnifying endoscopy) in detail. We should realize that patients infected with HIV are a high risk group in relation to malignant tumors and infectious enterocolitis. These patients also need to be examined endoscopically, employing screening for early diagnosis. |