Cardiac diseases in AIDS laboratory findings
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
The laboratory findings depend on the type of disease affecting the heart. Culture and serology are used to diagnose infections causing pericarditis and myocarditis.
Laboratory Findings
- Cutaneous anergy is common in AIDS due to immunosuppression. Therefore a negative skin test for tuberculosis does not exclude the diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis. Hence, pericardial biopsy is a more sensitive and preferred diagnostic test over smears and cultures.
- Other infections that cause pericarditis and myocarditis can be diagnosed by staining, culture and smears.
- Toxoplasma serology should be included in the evaluation of myocarditis/cardiomyopathy.
- Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) may be elevated in presence of congestive cardiac failure.
- Troponin levels may be elevated with myocardial injury.