NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS OF HIV INFECTION: AN OVERVIEW

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS OF HIV INFECTION: AN OVERVIEW

AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, and other Manifestations of HIV Infection. Wormser GP et al, eds. Park Ridge, NJ, Noyes Publications, p. 548-78, 1987.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/88647008
Koppel BS; Dept. of Neurology, Metropolitan Hosp. Center, New York, NY

Abstract: Neurological complications are common in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). CNS involvement is reported in 80-95% of autopsied cases and 40% of AIDS patients (pts) have symptoms during life. Pathophysiological considerations, clinical syndromes (subacute encephalitis, focal cerebral syndromes, and meningitis), diagnostic evaluation (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, electroencephalography and evoked potentials, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, myelography, and brain biopsy), specific CNS infections (cytomegalovirus, other herpes infections, adenovirus, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, toxoplasmosis, mycobacteria, bacteria, and fungi), brain tumor, and drug reactions and toxicity related to AIDS pts are discussed. The nervous system is commonly involved in pts with AIDS and vigilance in looking for early signs and symptoms should facilitate diagnosis at a time when treatment for opportunistic infections may be of benefit. Nevertheless, the ultimate prognosis remains poor in the face of the overwhelming immunodeficiency. Ultimately, prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection altogether or eradication of the virus before it can become entrenched may be the most meaningful approaches to management. To achieve these goals, the early involvement of the brain in HIV infection and the special therapeutic problems caused by the blood-brain barrier must be recognized. (139 Refs)

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PATHOLOGY Brain/PATHOLOGY Brain Diseases/*PATHOLOGY Brain Neoplasms/PATHOLOGY Human Opportunistic Infections/PATHOLOGY Tomography, X-Ray Computed MONOGRAPH REVIEW, TUTORIAL REVIEW

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