Endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract in HIV disease

: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are part of the most frequent complaints in HIV disease. A methodical effort is required to identify treatable syndromes. Progressive immunodeficiency is associated with increased prevalence of opportunistic or non-opportunistic infections and neoplasms. Dysphagia and odynophagia, in the majority due to candida esophagitis, are best evaluated by endoscopy. In the presence of diarrhea, upper GI endoscopy is indicated if evaluations of stool and endoscopy of the lower GI tract are negative and may uncover proximal small-bowel infection by Cryptosporidium, Microsporidium or Mycobacterium avium. HIV-associated neoplasias (Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphomas), not rarely affecting the upper GI tract and sometimes leading to obstruction or bleeding, are reliably diagnosed only by endoscopy. Since visible lesions mostly are nonspecific and normal-appearing mucosa may harbor pathogens, biopsies for pathology and cultures are crucial for correct diagnosis in GI diseases of HIV-infected patients.