Comparative study of the effect of antiretroviral therapy on benign lymphoepithelial cyst of parotid glands and ranulas in HIV-positive patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This study’s aim was to assess the effect of highly active antiretroviral drugs (HAART) on benign lymphoepithelial cysts (BLEC) of the parotid and ranulas. Study design. The records of 10 HIV-positive patients who presented with BLEC were reviewed, and 14 HIV-positive patients who presented with ranulas were prospectively enrolled. Patients in both groups received the same combination of HAART and were clinically evaluated for the first 3 months. Patients with ranulas were followed for an additional 3 months. A clinical reduction in the size of the lesions was considered to be a positive outcome. RESULTS. All parotid glands with BLEC resolved within 3 months. No positive results were observed in ranulas during the first 3 months. However, some of the ranulas displayed a positive result after the initial 3 months of HAART. CONCLUSIONS. In contrast to BLEC, ranulas in HIV-positive patients seem to present a mixed and delayed response to HAART.