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.