Lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis in a newly diagnosed late presenter of human immunodeficiency virus infection: a case report

BACKGROUND: An increase has been described throughout the years in the frequency of various uncommon diseases in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Particularly late presenters are associated with a significant risk not only for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining conditions but also for non AIDS-defining diseases which aggravate the prognosis of patients. Lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis (LIP) is one of these conditions described more often after the onset of HIV epidemic. LIP is a benign polyclonal lymphoproliferative disorder of the lung with not well characterized clinical and radiographic findings. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the diagnostic approach and clinical progress of a newly diagnosed late presenter of HIV infection with respiratory problems in our HIV unit. The findings of computed tomography indicated the diagnosis of HIV-associated LIP, although this condition is mainly described in a normal range of CD4 cell count. CONCLUSION: This case presentation highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy. The increase of CD4 cell count and viral suppression may improve the symptoms of LIP.