Chronic Pharyngitis And Multiple Soft Palate Peforation In An HIV Positive Patient

Abstract

The clinical manifestations of HIV/ AIDS vary on the duration of infection and the organ or system of the body that is most affected 1. A case of severe chronic pharyngitis and soft palate perforation in a middle aged woman with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is hereby presented. Although pharyngitis is one of the common minor signs of AIDS, associated soft palate perforation has not been reported to the best of my knowledge. This patient was said to have tested negative to HIV 1 and 2 screening in anther teaching hospital 6 month prior to presentation in the ENT clinic of O.O.U.T.H Shagamu. This report is at advocating the need for repeated investigation and screening for HIV particularly when there is persistent clinical feature strongly suggestive of AIDS. Should we even start to contemplate therapeutic of antiretroviral dugs in some cases?

KEY WORDS: Chronic pharyngitis, Soft palate perforation, AIDS, HIV infection

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.6(2) 2003: 115-116