[Gastrointestinal manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; case studies of 14 patients].

The gastrointestinal manifestations seen in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are discussed based on the observation of 14 patients with a positive serology for LAV/HTLV III antibody. AIDS was confirmed in 8 cases and AIDS related complex (ARC) in 6 cases. Risk groups included 6 homosexuals, 6 drug abusers and 2 patients from Zaïre. All the AIDS cases underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy; in 5 patients a necropsy was performed. Evaluation of the immune status showed lymphopenia and a decreased ratio of OKT4/OKT8. Clinical and pathological observations are discussed sequentially. Acute esophagitis includes cases of Candida albicans super-infection, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex. Acute enteritis and colitis were seen in association with cryptosporidium, Isospora belli and CMV. 3 cases were found to have chronic duodenitis and malabsorption. Digestive lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma were seen in 3 cases. Diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal infections in AIDS is important in view of the high morbidity and serious secondary complications.