To develop a pictorial essay showing several abdominal manifestations in AIDS patients, with an emphasis on differential diagnosis of most frequent diseases.

We will begin with an introduction with the most prevalent pathogens and neoplasias in abdominal AIDS-related diseases. In the sequence, we will describe the most frequent and important imaging differential diagnosis, illustrating with cases, according to witch organ/system involved.

Abdominal affections are frequent in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In most cases, clinical, laboratory diagnoses are very unespecific. It is the radiologist’s duty to narrow down the diagnostic possibilities with a view to assisting the clinician, who can begin empirical treatment until a final diagnosis is confirmed. The diseases may be grouped in two major categories, including opportunist infections and AIDS-related neoplasias. We have reviewed 195 examinations (barium studies, ultrasound, CT or MR) of patients with AIDS and confirmed opportunist infections and AIDS-related neoplasias.