March 1, 2011

Lymphoepithelial Cysts in HIV

An axial CT image of the neck shows small cysts in bilateral parotid glands (stars). Cervical lymphadenopathy is present (not shown).

Facts: Lymphoepithelial Cysts in HIV
  • First described in 1988 in 18 males with painless facial swelling
  • Incidence: 3-10% of HIV-positive individuals
  • Can occur before HIV seroconversion
  • Can occur at any CD4 cell count
  • Unknown etiology
Imaging
  • Multiple, bilateral cysts of parotid glands
  • Cervical lymphadenopathy
  • Imaging differential diagnosis: bilateral Warthin's tumor, cystic pleomorphic adenoma, Sjogren's disease, branchial cleft cyst

Reference:
Lufkin RB, et al. Teaching Atlas of Head and Neck Imaging, 2000.

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