Ultrasound characterization of superficial lymph nodes in HIV patients with lymphadenopathy

TL;DR

This study uses ultrasound and T cell data to distinguish between benign and malignant lymph nodes in HIV patients.

Contribution

Combines ultrasound features with immunological data to predict malignancy in HIV-related lymphadenopathy.

Findings

Malignant lymph nodes showed larger size, lower L/S ratio, absent hilum, and hypoechoic appearance.

Higher CD4+ T cell ratio was an independent predictor of malignancy (OR 1.116, 95% CI 1.003–1.247).

Combining ultrasound and T cell subset analysis improves differentiation of benign and malignant lymphadenopathy.

Abstract

HIV infection leads to immune deficiency and opportunistic infections, often presenting with lymphadenopathy. This study aims to characterize superficial lymph nodes in HIV patients using ultrasound and correlate these findings with T cell subset data to differentiate benign from malignant conditions.

A retrospective observational study was conducted on 149 HIV patients with lymphadenopathy from March 2016 to March 2024. Ultrasound examinations were performed, and pathological results were obtained through biopsy. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of malignancy.

Ultrasound findings showed that malignant lymph nodes were larger, with a lower L/S ratio, absent hilum, and hypoechoic appearance. Immunological data revealed higher lymphocyte counts, T cell counts, and CD4+ T cell counts in the malignant group. The CD4+ T cell ratio was identified as an independent predictor of malignancy (OR 1.116, 95% CI 1.003–1.247, p = 0.043).

Ultrasound combined with T cell subset analysis may assists benign and malignant lymphadenopathy in HIV patients. The CD4+ T cell ratio is a significant predictor of malignancy.

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