Cardiac diseases in AIDS laboratory findings

Laboratory findings depend on the type of disease affecting the heart. Culture and serology are used to diagnose infections causing pericarditis and myocarditis. Increased serum troponins may be elevated in myocardial injury.

• 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.

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