What is the diagnosis for a patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) presenting with maculopapular lesions on the trunk and face, hemorrhagic plaques on the oral mucosa, lymphadenopathy, and a chest X-ray (CXR) showing bilateral nodular infiltrates and hilar adenopathy?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: March 24, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Patient with HIV and Maculopapular Lesions

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Disseminated Histoplasmosis: This diagnosis is likely due to the combination of maculopapular lesions, hemorrhagic plaques on oral mucosa, lymphadenopathy, and bilateral nodular infiltrates with hilar adenopathy on CXR, which are all consistent with disseminated histoplasmosis in an immunocompromised patient with HIV.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Disseminated Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection: CMV can cause a wide range of symptoms in immunocompromised patients, including skin lesions, oral ulcers, and pulmonary infiltrates.
    • Disseminated Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC): MAC infection is common in patients with advanced HIV and can cause lymphadenopathy, skin lesions, and pulmonary infiltrates.
    • Kaposi's Sarcoma: This is a type of cancer that can cause skin lesions, oral lesions, and lymphadenopathy in patients with HIV.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia (PCP): Although PCP typically presents with diffuse infiltrates on CXR, it can occasionally present with nodular infiltrates and is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment.
    • Tuberculosis (TB): TB can cause a wide range of symptoms, including skin lesions, oral ulcers, and pulmonary infiltrates, and is a significant concern in patients with HIV.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Penicilliosis: This is a rare fungal infection that can cause skin lesions, oral ulcers, and pulmonary infiltrates in immunocompromised patients.
    • Cryptococcosis: This is a rare fungal infection that can cause skin lesions, oral ulcers, and pulmonary infiltrates in immunocompromised patients, although it is more commonly associated with central nervous system involvement.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.