AIDS-related lymphoma: radiologic features in pediatric patients.

Overview

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical, pathologic, and radiologic features in pediatric patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related lymphoma and to compare these features with those in adult patients with AIDS-related lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and radiologic findings were retrospectively reviewed in nine children (aged 1-15 years) with AIDS-related lymphoma. All patients had neoplastic changes that were not consistent with hyperplastic lymphoid tissue. The children underwent ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and plain radiography. RESULTS: Sites of involvement by malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma at diagnosis were the liver (n = 7), spleen (n = 5), kidney (n = 4), central nervous system (n = 2), and testis and bone (n = 1). Symptoms included seizures, respiratory distress, testicular swelling, and increased abdominal girth. CONCLUSION: Children with AIDS-related lymphoma have symptoms distinct from those found in adults, but clinical, radiologic, and pathologic findings show that almost any anatomic site in these children can be involved.