Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/AIDS on the Kidneys: Radiologist Perspective

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS is unique for its devastating impact on social, economic, and demographic developments. Recent studies have thrown more light on the reasons for the mortality and morbidity associated with HIV/AIDS in general and on its renal complications in particular. The classic involvement of the kidney by HIV infection in HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) was reported in New York in 1984. HIVAN clinically presents with proteinuria and renal dysfunction and pathologically with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The imaging modality most commonly used in the assessment of renal dysfunction is ultrasonography, followed by computerized tomography. These renal lesions manifest in a protean number of ways in sonography. Renal survival has improved with the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy.