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Meningioma in four patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection
A Khurshid1, J T Joseph, J Rachlin
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Abstract:
We describe four patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who had development of meningiomas. In contrast to those in the general population who have meningiomas, all our patients were young men; the mean age was 40 years (range, 32 to 50). Their risk behavior for HIV was homosexuality (three patients) and intravenous drug use (one patient). The CD4+ cell count in each of the three homosexual men was less than 50/microL and was 280/microL in the drug user. Imaging studies showed enhancing lesions in three of the patients. Although each of these meningiomas could have occurred in otherwise normal young to middle-aged men, we speculate that the meningiomas may have grown in these HIV-infected hosts because of either loss of immune function or dysregulation of cytokines.
Insights
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may be linked to meningioma development in young men. Researchers observed this association, suggesting immune dysfunction or cytokine dysregulation as potential causes in HIV patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Meningiomas are typically slow-growing tumors arising from the meninges.
- The incidence and characteristics of meningiomas in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals are not well-established.
Observation:
- Four cases of meningioma development in HIV-infected patients are presented.
- The affected patients were young men, with a mean age of 40 years.
- Risk factors for HIV included homosexual activity and intravenous drug use.
Findings:
- Patients presented with meningiomas, a tumor type not commonly associated with HIV.
- CD4+ cell counts varied, with some patients showing significant immune suppression (<50/microL).
- Imaging revealed enhancing lesions consistent with tumors in three patients.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential association between HIV infection and meningioma development.
- Further research is warranted to explore the role of immune function and cytokine dysregulation in HIV-associated meningiomas.
- This association may impact diagnostic and treatment strategies for HIV-positive individuals presenting with neurological symptoms.