Diseases of the chest in AIDS: CT diagnosis.

The advantages of computed tomography for the evaluation of various chest lesions commonly encountered in patients with AIDS are discussed. The significance of limited and extensive lymphadenopathy is considered and examples are presented. Also specifically illustrated are cases of opportunistic pneumocystis, cytomegalovirus, and nocardia pneumonitides and of candida esophagitis; septic emboli; empyema; premature bulla formation ranging from apical bullae to diffuse parenchymal destruction; Kaposi's sarcoma, and lymphoma. Examples of the value of CT in resolving obscure clinical chest problems in AIDS patients are also illustrated.