Multiple oral papillomas after antiretroviral treatment resumption

Abstract

Lesions of the oral mucosa due to human papillomavirus (HPV) present in various clinical forms. The case of a man in his 50s is reported. This patient was referred for multiple whitish oral lesions, unresponsive to antifungal drugs, in a context of pneumocystis having revealed a therapeutic break of an HIV antiretroviral treatment. The lesions had appeared a few days after treatment resumption. Clinical examination revealed multiple lesions on the lips, the inner sides of the cheeks and lips and on the tongue. The patient reported burning sensations in the mouth. The diagnosis of multiple papillomas was made in view of the characteristic clinical picture and history of the disease: appearance of oral papular lesions with multiple locations, which may reveal a context of severe immunodeficiency. HPV lesions are more frequent in HIV-positive patients and may increase on initiation of antiretroviral therapy.