PREMATURE ATHEROSCLEROTIC LESIONS OF THE CAROTID VESSELS IN HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS TREATED WITH HAART

Purpose: The prognosis of HIV infection has improved since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). However, HAART in HIV+ is often associated with lipodystrophy syndrome. Aim of our study is to evaluate prevalence and incidence of early epiaortic vessels atheroscerotic lesions in patient HIV+ treated with HAART versus HIV-. Methods and Materials: In the period 2001–2004, 159 HIV+ patients and 135 HIV- patients undergoing US of the neck region for lymphonodal or thyroid examination at the INMI “L. Spallanzani“ in Rome were also subjected to Doppler US (Linear 7.5–9 Mhz probe; 2–2.5 Khz PRF; WF…