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Clinical Radiology (2006) 61, 833e843

The radiology of IRIS (immune reconstitution


inflammatory syndrome) in patients with
mycobacterial tuberculosis and HIV
co-infection: appearances in 11 patients
G. Rajeswaran*, J.L. Becker, C. Michailidis, A.L. Pozniak, S.P.G. Padley

Department of Radiology and Department of HIV/GU Medicine,


Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK

Received 16 February 2006; received in revised form 16 April 2006; accepted 20 April 2006

AIM: To determine the radiological manifestations of IRIS (immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome) in pa-
tients with HIV and mycobacterium tuberculosis co-infection, in the context of their demographic and clinical data.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The radiological imaging, demographic and clinical data of 11 patients diagnosed with
IRIS associated with HIV and mycobacterial tuberculosis co-infection were studied retrospectively. Where available,
follow-up imaging studies were also reviewed.
RESULTS: The most common radiological feature of IRIS was lymph node enlargement (73%), with central low atten-
uation centres, in keeping with necrosis, present in most of these cases (88%). Most commonly affected were intra-
abdominal nodes (70%), followed by axillary (40%) and mediastinal lymph nodes (36%). Within the lung parenchyma,
diffuse, bilateral pulmonary nodules were seen in 55% of cases. Unilateral small volume pleural effusions were seen in
two cases with associated parenchymal changes seen in only one. Small volume ascites was seen in two cases. Thirty-
six percent of cases presented with new or worsening abscesses despite treatment. In this context, image-guided
radiological drainage proved a useful adjunct to the conventional medical therapy for IRIS. The most common clinical
signs of IRIS included fever (64%), abdominal pain (36%) and cough (27%).
CONCLUSION: We have described the radiological features that are characteristic in IRIS and the importance of put-
ting these into context with the clinical and pathological findings as part of a multidisciplinary approach in making the
diagnosis. The role of the radiologist is central in diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression and management of
complications in patients with IRIS.
ª 2006 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Introduction immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection but appear


to occur more commonly in HIV-positive patients.1
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome Given the high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in pa-
(IRIS) is defined as an exacerbation of the symp- tients with HIV, IRIS is seen most commonly in cases
toms, signs, or radiological manifestations of a path- of HIV and TB co-infection.2
ogenic antigen, which are not due to relapse or The exact aetiology of IRIS is unknown, but in the
recurrence. These paradoxical reactions have context of HIV and TB co-infection it is thought, in
been reported to occur in patients with both in- part, to be secondary to highly active antiretroviral
fectious and non-infectious antigens. They have therapy (HAART) related reconstitution of immunity,
also been well described in patients without human leading to an abnormal immune response to antigens
released by dead or dying bacilli.1 IRIS can be dramatic
and result in considerable morbidity. Patients with HIV
* Guarantor and correspondent: G. Rajeswaran, Department and TB have diverse manifestations of IRIS. Pyrexia,
of Radiology and Department of HIV/GU Medicine, Chelsea
and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10
weight loss, respiratory failure, expanding brain
9NH, UK. Tel.: þ44 2087468570; fax: þ44 2087468588. lesions, new or worsening lymph node enlargement,
E-mail address: grajeswaran@hotmail.com (G. Rajeswaran). hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, pulmonary infiltrates,

0009-9260/$ - see front matter ª 2006 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.crad.2006.04.007
834
Table 1 Radiological and clinical features and subsequent management of IRIS in the 11 patients
Case Clinical features Imaging at time Radiological features of IRIS Management of IRIS
of IRIS of IRIS
Lymph node enlargement Lung Pleural Ascites Abscess Other
changes effusion
Chest Abdominal Other
01 Abdominal pain Chest N Y N N Y Y Y N Abscess drained
radiography, Coeliac, Right Small Psoas under CT guidance.
abdominal iliac volume Oral steroids.
radiography, CT Anti-TB restarted.
chest, abdomen, HAART continued.
pelvis
02 Increased size of Chest Y N N Y N N Y N Abscesses drained
axillary and radiography, Hilar, para- Fine Axillary, under US guidance.
sternal abscesses CT chest, tracheal nodules Sternal Oral steroids.
US abdomen HAART and anti-TB
continued.
03 Fever, abdominal Chest N Y N Y N Y Y Small Oral steroids.
pain, raised radiography, Retrocrural Miliary Small Liver, pericardial HAART and anti-TB
inflammatory CT chest, Nodules volume Spleen effusion continued.
markers abdomen, pelvis
04 Fever, vomiting, Chest Y Y Y Y N N N Y Anti-TB therapy and
cough, raised radiography, Pre-aortic, Porta, Axillary Miliary Mild hepato- oral steroids. HAART
inflammatory CT chest, pre- para-aortic, nodules megaly continued.
markers abdomen, tracheal, celiac,
pelvis, HRCT sub-carinal, splenic hilum
chest hilar
05 Fever, cough, Chest N N/i N Y N N/i N N Oral steroids. Anti-TB
infected PEG site, radiography, Miliary therapy resarted.
raised inflammatory HRCT chest nodules HAART continued.
markers

G. Rajeswaran et al.
06 Fever, vomiting, Chest Y N/i Y Y N N/i N N Oral steroids. HAART
cough, hoarseness, radiography, Para- Supra- Miliary and anti-TB
increased size of CT neck, tracheal, clavicular, nodules continued.
cervical lymph nodes chest pre-carinal axillary
07 Abdominal pain Chest N Y Y N N N Y N Oral steroids. HAART
radiography, Retro-crural, Axillary Liver, and anti-TB continued.
CT chest, para-aortic, spleen
abdomen, pelvis coeliac
The radiology of IRIS in patients with mycobacterial tuberculosis and HIV co-infection
08 Abdominal pain Chest N Y N N N N Y N Oral steroids, IL2.
and tenderness radiography, Retro-crural, Psoas HAART and anti-TB
CT brain, para-aortic continued.
abdomen,
pelvis
09 Fever, weight Chest N N/i N/i Y Y N/i N Y Oral steroids. Anti-TB
loss, hemiparesis, radiography, Mililary Left Ring- and HAART continued.
facial weakness CT brain, nodules enhancing Recurrence of symptoms
MRI brain brain lesions with cessation of
treatment. Resolution
with continuation.
10 Fever, increased Chest N N N N N N Y N Drainage of abscess
size of sacral radiography, Gluteal under US guidance. Oral
abscess despite CT chest, steroids. HAART and
drainage abdomen, anti-TB continued.
pelvis
11 Fever Chest Y Y Y N N N N N Oral steroids. HAART
radiography, Pre- Coeliac, Axilla and anti-TB continued.
CT chest, tracheal, aorto-caval,
abdomen, sub-carinal, para-aortic,
pelvis, HRCT aorto- mesenteric
chest pulmonary
CT, computed tomography; US, ultrasound; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; HRCT, high-resolution CT; TB, tuberculosis; HAART, highly active antiretroviral therapy; IL2, interleukin 2;
Ni, not imaged.

835
836 G. Rajeswaran et al.

serositis, and cutaneous lesions have all been de- relative paucity of reported radiological findings dur-
scribed in the clinical literature.2,3 However, the ra- ing the clinical deterioration and recovery from IRIS
diological descriptions of TB and IRIS are limited.4e6 of patients with HIV and TB co-infection and given
Manifestations usually resolve with continued treat- its increasing prevalence, we present these findings
ment against the offending pathogen as well as contin- in the context of demographic and clinical data.
uation of HAART. Use of anti-inflammatory agents
such as corticosteroids can help modify the clinical
picture.3 Materials and methods
Radiological imaging plays an important role in
IRIS. It is essential for both diagnosis and monitoring Review of the TB/HIV unit database identified all
of disease. Although there are limited papers de- serologically proven HIV-positive patients receiving
scribing the radiological manifestations of pulmo- HAART diagnosed with IRIS related to mycobacte-
nary and extra-pulmonary TB in HIV, the imaging rial tuberculosis infection between March 2001 and
findings during development and resolution of symp- July 2003 at our institution. The diagnosis of TB was
toms associated with IRIS in patients with HIV and TB made definitively if cultures or genetic probes
have not been extensively reported.4e8 Given the were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Figure 1 Contrast-enhanced CT images of patient 3, a 34-year-old heterosexual black African male with fully
sensitive TB at the time of HIV diagnosis. HAART and anti-TB therapy were commenced simultaneously and his symp-
toms improved. Four months later he presented with pyrexia, raised inflammatory markers and left sided abdominal
pain. CT image at TB presentation (a), demonstrating micro-abscesses within the spleen (white arrows). CT image at
IRIS presentation 2 months later, demonstrating increase in the number of micro-abscesses within the spleen (white
arrows) and micro-abscesses in the liver (black arrows) (b) and widespread miliary nodules in both lungs (c).
The radiology of IRIS in patients with mycobacterial tuberculosis and HIV co-infection 837

As a tertiary referral centre for HIV-related cultures, lymph node biopsy and other procedures
disease, some patients in the database had initial were performed as clinically indicated.
clinical management at other hospitals in the region Case notes were reviewed for clinical data, CD4
before being referred to our institution for further count and viral loads at the time of commencement
care. All diagnoses of IRIS, as well as the imaging at of HAART and at presentation of IRIS. Radiology
presentation of IRIS, occurred during the patients’ reports and films were obtained together with
care at our institution. pathology and microbiology results for cultures,
IRIS was only diagnosed after all other causes smears and biopsies taken. Where imaging was
were reasonably excluded, including deterioration performed before IRIS presentation at other hospi-
due to treatment failure, the expected course of tals, every effort was made to obtain the films as well
a previously recognized infectious agent, drug as the reports.
hypersensitivity or side effects, or newly acquired Fourteen patients were identified. Three pa-
infections. Imaging, blood, tissue and sputum tients had the diagnosis of IRIS made without

Figure 2 Axial CT images of patient 1, a 22-year-old heterosexual black African male treated for pulmonary and
abdominal TB also diagnosed at the time of HIV diagnosis. HAART was commenced after 2 months’ anti-TB therapy
with subsequent admission with abdominal pain, despite a favourable response to HAART. CT image at TB presentation
(a) demonstrating normal psoas muscles, peritoneal thickening (black arrows) and para-aortic lymph node enlarge-
ment (white arrows). Contrast-enhanced axial CT image at IRIS presentation demonstrating retrocrural lymph node
enlargement (white arrows) (b) and a right psoas abscess (white arrows) (c).
838 G. Rajeswaran et al.

requiring further radiological assessment. The chest was performed using contrast-enhanced vol-
remaining 11 patients were studied retrospectively. ume acquisition from the lung apices to the lung
There were eight men and three women. The mean bases with 1.5 mm section collimation. CT of the ab-
age was 34.6 years. Of the eight male patients, domen and pelvis was performed using volume acqui-
three were white, four were black African and one sition from the lung bases to the pubic symphysis
was Asian. Three were heterosexual, four were following oral and intravenous contrast medium
homosexual and one was a white homosexual in- with 1.5 mm section collimation. Where further eval-
travenous drug abuser. All three females were black uation of the lung parenchyma was required, high-
African heterosexuals. resolution CT (HRCT) of the chest was performed
Of the 11 patients, six were referred to our using interspaced acquisition from the lung apices
institution from different hospitals. Computed to- to the bases with 1 mm section collimation. CT of the
mography (CT) examinations were performed using neck, where required, was performed as a contrast-
a Siemens (Siemens AG, Wittelsbacherplatz 2, D- enhanced volume acquisition from the external
80333. Munich. Germany) SOMATOM Sensation 16 auditory meati to the sternal notch with 1.5 mm col-
Multislice Spiral machine. Examinations were per- limation. Two radiologists in consensus (S.P. and
formed according to the clinical indication. CT of the G.R.) reviewed all of the radiological images.

Figure 3 Contrast-enhanced axial CT images of patient 8, who presented with symptomatic abdominal TB. HAART
was started 1 month after anti-TB therapy and resolution of symptoms. One month later he was admitted with abdom-
inal pain and tenderness and pyrexia. At TB presentation CT demonstrated no retrocrural nodes (a) and normal psoas
muscles (b). At the time of IRIS diagnosis, CT demonstrated retrocrural nodal enlargement with hypodense centres
suggesting necrosis (white arrows) (c) and a left psoas abscess (white arrows) (d).
The radiology of IRIS in patients with mycobacterial tuberculosis and HIV co-infection 839

Neither ethical board approval nor informed aorto-pulmonary (n ¼ 1) regions. Parenchymal lung
patient consent was required for this study. changes seen at IRIS presentation were widespread
pulmonary nodules in 55% (six of the 11 patients) of
cases (Fig. 1c). This represented a worsening in
Results comparison with the previous imaging in 50% (three
of six patients) of these cases and was a new finding
Radiological findings in the other 50%. In all of these cases, the nodules
were not larger than 3 mm in size. Two patients
The radiological and clinical features and subse- (18%) had small unilateral pleural effusions with
quent management of the 11 patients diagnosed associated lung parenchymal changes seen in one.
with IRIS are summarized in Table 1. At presentation A small pericardial effusion was seen in one case.
of IRIS, patients underwent radiological imaging at Within the abdomen and pelvis, there was lymph
our institution as clinically indicated. All patients node enlargement in 75% (six of eight patients) of
underwent chest radiography. Nine of these subse- patients, and amongst these cases, affected nodes
quently underwent CT of the chest, of which six un- involved the para-aortic (n ¼ 4), coeliax axis (n ¼ 4),
derwent a contrast-enhanced volume acquisition retro-crural (n ¼ 4) (Figs. 2b and 3b), porta hepatis
only, one underwent an interspaced HRCT only, (n ¼ 2), mesenteric (n ¼ 1) and iliac (n ¼ 1) regions.
and two required both imaging studies of the chest. Micro-abscesses were seen in the liver and spleen in
Eight patients underwent abdominal and pelvic im- two cases (Fig. 1b). Small volume ascites was seen
aging, with seven assessed by CT and one by ultra- in 25% (two of eight patients). Lymph node enlarge-
sound (US) only. One patient required magnetic ment was seen elsewhere in 40% of cases (four of
resonance imaging (MRI) and CT of the brain. 10 patients), involving the axillary (n ¼ 4) and supra-
At presentation of IRIS, new or worsening lymph clavicular (n ¼ 1) regions (Fig. 4a). None of the 11 pa-
node enlargement (in comparison with prior imag- tients underwent lymph node biopsy, which was not
ing) was evident in eight of the 11 cases (73%) and felt to be appropriate for the diagnosis of IRIS in these
among these cases, signs of lymph node necrosis cases.
with low attenuation centres were seen at CT in New or worsening abscesses despite treatment
seven (88%). occurred in four of 11 cases (36%). Two of these
Within the chest, there was lymph node en- cases presented with psoas abscesses (Figs. 2c and
largement in 36% (four of 11 patients) of cases, and 3c), one with a gluteal abscess and one with axil-
amongst these patients affected nodes involved lary and supraclavicular abscesses (Fig. 4b). One
the hilar (n ¼ 2), para-tracheal (n ¼ 2), pre-tracheal patient presented with right hemiparesis and right
(n ¼ 2), sub-carinal (n ¼ 2), pre-carinal (n ¼ 1), and upper motor neurone facial weakness 7 months

Figure 4 Contrast-enhanced axial CT images of patient 6, diagnosed with HIV and fully sensitive abdominal and pul-
monary TB with enlargement of thoracic and cervical lymph nodes. HAART was started 2 months after anti-TB therapy
and he improved clinically. He represented 3 months later with increased pyrexia, cough, hoarseness, vomiting and
rapid nodal enlargement. CT image at TB presentation (a), demonstrating loss of the right supraclavicular fat plane
with lymph node enlargement (white arrow). CT image at IRIS presentation 5 months later, demonstrating worsening
of the right supra-clavicular lymph node enlargement with abscess formation (white arrows) (b).
840 G. Rajeswaran et al.

after HAART and anti-TB therapy, caused by TB

Time between starting


meningitis secondary to HAART. Ring-enhancing le-

Diagnosis (months)
sions were shown on MRI of the brain. In the seven

HAART and IRIS


patients who did not have abscesses at IRIS presen-
tation, resolution of signs and symptoms was

0.25e11
achieved with introduction of oral steroids, as

0.25
well as continuation of anti-TB therapy and HAART.

0.5

0.3

3.0
11
3
2

1
9

2
Of the four patients with abscesses, as well as the
treatment given to the other patients, one was
managed conservatively and three had successful

Time between starting


drainage of the abscesses performed with imaging

anti-TB therapy and


guidance.

HAART (months)
Two patients have been lost to further follow-up
(cases 3 and 4). Of the remaining nine patients,
seven have had no further relevant adverse epi-

0.25

0.75

0e7
sodes to date and follow-up imaging when per-

1.5
0
1
0

2
0

3
1

1
7

1
formed, has demonstrated differing degrees of
resolution of the previously noted radiological
signs with no new findings. Two patients have

of IRIS (copies/ml)
Viral load at time
had further adverse episodes. One of the patients

of presentation
with a left psoas abscess (case 8), which was

HAART, highly active anti-retroviral therapy; IRIS, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome; TB, tuberculosis.
managed conservatively, presented 4 months later

50e378
with a left groin swelling discharging pus. Repeat

128.3
201
134
378
54

50
190
204

50
50

50
50

54
CT of the abdomen and pelvis showed that the
psoas collection had resolved but a new collection
was now present in the left inguinal region. As this
range 500e1500 cells/ml

was spontaneously discharging, drainage was not


CD4 count at time of
presentation of IRIS

attempted and his medical therapy was supple-


(cells/ml), normal
Summary of the pathological findings of the 11 patients at TB and IRIS diagnosis

mented with a course of interleukin 2. The abscess


eventually drained to dryness and he has had no
further episodes. Another patient (case 11) pre-

16e266
sented 2 years after the initial IRIS presentation

127.0
266
170

16
78

196
97
64
89
219
170
32
97
with shortness of breath and pyrexia. A chest
radiograph revealed patchy air-space shadowing
bilaterally but predominantly at the right base in
Viral load at time

keeping with infective change. She deteriorated


TB (copies/ml)
of diagnosis of

50e1,200,000
rapidly and developed respiratory failure and 207,674.5

sepsis requiring intubation and intensive care


1,200,000
155,598
200,000

85,000
200
250,000
322,000
30,385
50
50
41,136
85,000

management. Despite this she died during the


same admission.

Pathological findings
normal range 500e1500 cells/ml

The median CD4 count at commencement of HAART


was 57 cells/ml (normal range 500e1500 cells/ml)
diagnosis of TB (cells/ml),

with a median viral load of 85,000 copies/ml. At


CD4 count at time of

presentation of IRIS the median CD4 count had


risen to 97 cells/ml and the median viral load had
fallen to 54 copies/ml. The median time from
commencement of HAART to diagnosis of IRIS was
2 months with a median time of 1 month between
2e122
55.5

commencement of HAART and TB treatment. These


86
57
18
5
55
80
19
79
87
122
2
57

results are summarized in Table 2 and represented


Table 2

graphically in Fig. 5. All patients had a positive


Median

Range
Mean
Case

genetic probe or culture for mycobacterium


01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11

tuberculosis at the time of diagnosis of TB/HIV.


The radiology of IRIS in patients with mycobacterial tuberculosis and HIV co-infection 841

Patient 1

Patient 2

Patient 3

Patient 4
Legend

X-axis = Time (months), range 0-12


Patient 5
Y-axis = CD4 Count (cells/µL), range 0-600, normal
values 500-1500 cells/µL
= CD4 count at TB diagnosis
Patient 6
= Time of starting HAART
= CD4 count at IRIS diagnosis

Patient 7 TB = Tuberculosis
HAART = Highly Active Antiretroviral
Therapy
IRIS = Immune Reconstitution
Patient 8 Inflammatory Syndrome

Patient 9

Patient 10

Patient 11

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Figure 5 Timeline showing patients’ CD4 counts at TB and IRIS diagnosis in the context of starting HAART.

Clinical findings manifestations of TB, which are not due to relapse


or recurrence. This deterioration in clinical status
The clinical features at IRIS presentation were fever is attributable to recovery of the immune system,
(64%), abdominal pain (36%), cough (27%), vomiting or partial immune reconstitution during HAART.10
(18%), increased size of abscesses (18%), increased Patients affected with IRIS undergo deterioration
size of palpable lymph nodes (9%), hoarse voice (9%) in their clinical status at a time when viral
and neurological symptoms (9%). replication appears to be under control and CD4
counts are rising, known as a paradoxical re-
sponse.10 The most common radiological features
Discussion of IRIS demonstrated in the present patient group
included new or worsening lymph node enlarge-
IRIS is a diagnosis of exclusion after ruling out ment (in the abdomen, axilla and chest) and
deterioration due to treatment failure, the diffuse, widespread pulmonary nodules. These
expected course of a previously recognized in- findings are in keeping with that of other smaller
fectious agent, drug hypersensitivity or side series.
effects or newly acquired infections.9 In the A previous study by Buckingham et al. docu-
context of HIV and TB co-infection, IRIS is defined menting five patients, reported two out of the five
as an exacerbation of the clinical or radiological patients presenting with symptoms of airway
842 G. Rajeswaran et al.

compression secondary to mediastinal lymphade- However, to our knowledge, this study represents
nopathy.5 Although the present study is not sig- the largest radiological review to date reflecting
nificantly larger, encompassing only 11 patients, the relative rarity of this entity.
no evidence was found to suggest that severe pre- For the radiologist, it is important to be aware of
sentations of tuberculosis (airway narrowing, peri- IRIS as an entity and so recognize the common
carditis, nerve paresis, superior vena caval radiological features that have been described in
obstruction, fistula formation, etc.) are any more this condition. However, as a diagnosis of exclusion,
common in patients with IRIS. Indeed the present it is essential that the radiological appearances are
study is more in keeping with other previous stud- put into context of the clinical and pathological
ies, which also report that severe presentations of findings. As such, a multidisciplinary approach is
TB are uncommon in IRIS.4,11,12 essential in making the correct diagnosis.
Unlike other series we found a significant IRIS is now an increasingly recognized phenom-
number of patients (36% or four of 11 cases) enon and should be considered as a possibility in
presented with the relatively uncommon feature the evaluation of all HIV patients on HAART who
of new or worsening abscesses despite treatment. unexpectedly deteriorate, particularly those with
In this context, image-guided radiological drainage TB. We have shown that there are common clinical
proved a useful adjunct to the conventional med- and radiological trends in patients presenting with
ical therapy for IRIS. IRIS, and we would emphasize the central role of
In our experience, the most common clinical the radiologist in diagnosis, monitoring of disease
signs of IRIS were fever (64%), abdominal pain progression and response to treatment, as well as
(36%) and cough (27%). These non-specific symp- in providing radiologically guided management of
toms are in keeping with previously reported complications.
presentations of IRIS. Ten of the 11 patients had
a CD4þ T-lymphocyte count of less than 100 cells/ml
(normal range 500e1500 cells/ml) at commence-
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