Cardiac lesions in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Autopsy findings in 41 patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) were reviewed. Major pathologic findings in the heart were demonstrated in 10 cases, and metastatic Kaposi's sarcoma in either the epicardium or myocardium was revealed in 4 cases, including 1 with additional fibrinous pericarditis. Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis with embolization to major organs was found in three cases, isolated fibrinous pericarditis of unknown origin was found in two and Cryptococcus neoformans myocarditis was found in one case. The primary cause of death in eight cases was pulmonary or systemic infection. Two patients died of thromboembolic disease. These findings suggest that cardiac lesions in AIDS relate to both morbidity and mortality.