Cross-sectional analysis of a cohort of people over 65 years of age living with HIV.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to describe and analyze the characteristics of aged people who are living with HIV (APHIV) and evaluate their association on the comorbidities they currently have. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of APHIV under active follow-up at the Infectious Diseases Unit of the University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed, along with their association with the development of comorbidities in this population. A correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were performed for this purpose. RESULTS: Eighty-five APHIV, 65 males and 20 females, with an average age of 69 years (IQR 8) and a duration of living with HIV of 17 years (SD 7), were studied. 41% of them had their initial diagnosis with AIDS. The most common comorbidities are hypertension and dyslipidemia in 55% and 52%, respectively. 40% of APHIV take at least 5 medications. 35% have received more than 5 lines of antiretroviral treatment. At the time of analysis, all APHIV have an undetectable viral load. No significant association was observed between the number of comorbidities and various characteristics of APHIV; however, a weak correlation was noted among age, the cumulative number of antiretroviral treatments received throughout their lives, and the number of comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis highlights the substantial burden of comorbidities and polypharmacy experienced by APHIV. Further studies are needed to better understand the characteristics and variables influencing their development.

An Atypical Manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Aortitis is seen in a wide variety of diseases. It was rarely found in the past but this is changing because of new imaging techniques. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 45-year-old man who was found on thyroid ultrasound to have infrarenal aortitis and pathological lymphadenopathies in different locations. After an exhaustive diagnostic process, tuberculous aortitis, an infrequent manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, was diagnosed. The condition resolved after a 6-month course of antibiotics and a 6-week course of corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Tuberculous aortitis is an atypical manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The absence of typical symptoms and the difficulty of isolating the microorganism makes its diagnosis difficult. Therefore, clinical suspicion, microbiological tests and imaging are key for reaching the diagnosis and starting treatment for a serious disease that can cause aortic aneurysm and dissection. LEARNING POINTS: New imaging techniques can identify aortitis for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.The extrapulmonary manifestations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection are diverse and include aortitis.Prompt and accurate differentiation between infectious and non-infectious causes of aortitis determines which of two very different therapeutic paths should be followed and hence the prognosis of the patient.