Cardiac diseases in AIDS physical examination

The most common cardiac manifestation in patients with AIDS is pericarditis. Pericarditis in AIDS presents as small, asymptomatic pericardial effusions. However, when severe it may present as fever, chills and weakness. The classic sign of pericarditis is apericardial friction rub. Other cardiac presentations in AIDS include heart failure, endocarditis, coronary artery disease etc.

• Fever may be present in pericarditis.
• Pulsus paradoxus may be present in cardiac tamponade.
• Tachypnea may be present.

• Elevated jugular venous pulse (JVP) may be present in heart failure.

• Rales may be present in pulmonary edema.

• Pericardial friction rub may be present.
• S₃ gallop rhythm may be present.

• Hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly may be present in severe heart failure.

• Pedal edema may be present as a result of heart failure.

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