What is the role of endoscopy in HIV-infected patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms?
- Patients with AIDS (CD4 count < 200) are at risk for opportunistic infections and neoplasms, particularly when the CD4 lymphocyte count falls to less than 100.
- Given the broad differential diagnosis of upper GI symptoms in these patients, generally upper endoscopy should be performed so all lesions can be biopsied for a definitive diagnosis.
