Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Presenting as Worsening Dyspnea in an HIV-infected Patient

Abstract

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare manifestation of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It is characterized by relapsing bulky papillomas in the respiratory tract, which are usually benign in nature. We describe a challenging case of RRP in an HIV-infected patient with extensive pulmonary disease, presenting with worsening dyspnea. The interaction between HPV with HIV as a coinfection is still not completely understood, particularly the role of HIV-associated immunosuppression in RRP. Our main goal is to raise awareness of this clinical entity and to promote further studies on its management, particularly in specific populations such as HIV-infected individuals. A brief review of the theme is also presented.

Keywords: hpv vaccine; human immunedeficiecy virus (hiv) infection; human papillomavirus (hpv); infectious disease; recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.