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.