Neuropathologic findings in AIDS and human immunodeficiency virus infection--report on 30 patients

Central nervous system findings in 30 fatal cases of human immune deficiency viral (HIV) infection are described. Twenty seven patients had acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and three patients had serological evidence of HIV infection only (HIV seropositive). Twenty nine patients had neuropathologic abnormalities at autopsy and frequently had more than one neuropathologic process. Neurologic disease was the dominant clinical feature in nineteen patients. The spectrum of neuropathologic disease is similar to that described in other series encompassing direct HIV infection of brain; indirect CNS involvement by opportunistic pathogens differing slightly from other series in their relative frequency; lymphoma and neurovascular disease. This, the first report which serves to document the level of neurologic disease in Irish patients with AIDS and HIV infection should help to provide meaningful information for use in the planning of neurologic and rehabilitation services for these patients.