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.
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