Bronchoesophageal Manifestations of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Abstract

Among the more common manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are tumors and infections that occur in regions treated by the bronchoesophagologist. In reviewing our institutional experience in the diagnosis and treatment of 396 patients with AIDS in 1987, we have noted that 226 (57%) had some form of pneumonia and 133 (34%) had candidiasis. In this communication we discuss the various types of bronchopulmonary, oropharyngeal, and esophageal infections that have been reported among AIDS patients. We also review the universal precautions and specific guidelines recommended for safeguarding the bronchoesophagologist and other health care workers who treat these patients.