Bacillary angiomatosis of the cervix and vulva in a patient with AIDS.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Bacillary angiomatosis is a clinicopathologic entity that most often is identified in the skin of patients with AIDS. This report presents an example of bacillary angiomatosis of the female genital tract.

CASE:

Bacillary angiomatosis presented as red-purple nodules of the vulva and cervix in a 32-year-old woman with AIDS. Histologic examination revealed the lobular epithelioid vascular proliferation and hazy clumps of bacteria that characterize bacillary angiomatosis. The diagnosis was confirmed on Warthin-Starry-stained issue and by blood cultures, which were positive for Bartonella (Rochalimaea) henselae.

CONCLUSION:

Accurate diagnosis of this infection is important because 1) bacillary angiomatosis is commonly mistaken for Kaposi sarcoma, 2) it is effectively treated with inexpensive antibiotics, and 3) undiagnosed and/or untreated bacillary angiomatosis may lead to overwhelming disseminated infection and death.

• Authors: S R Long, M J Whitfeld, C Eades, J E Koehler, A P Korn, C J Zaloudek
• Journal: Obstetrics and gynecology (Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 88 Issue 4 Pt 2 Pg. 709-11 (Oct 1996) ISSN: 0029-7844 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8841262 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections (diagnosis, pathology)
• Adult
• Angiomatosis, Bacillary (diagnosis, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Uterine Cervical Diseases (diagnosis, pathology)
• Vulvar Diseases (diagnosis, pathology)