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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
10:04
Quantification of Cerebral Vascular Architecture using Two-photon Microscopy in a Mouse Model of HIV-induced Neuroinflammation
Published on: January 12, 2016
Stroke in HIV infection and AIDS
Michael R Dobbs1, Joseph R Berger
1Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|October 10, 2009
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection elevates stroke risk, particularly in younger individuals. Effective antiretroviral therapy has shifted risk factors towards traditional atherosclerotic causes in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- HIV/AIDS is associated with an increased risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
- This risk is notably high in young HIV-infected individuals lacking conventional stroke risk factors.
- Potential mechanisms include infections, HIV vasculopathy, and coagulation changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms linking HIV infection to stroke.
- To discuss the evolving risk factors for stroke in HIV-infected patients.
- To emphasize the importance of etiology-specific treatment selection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on HIV, stroke, and associated risk factors.
- Analysis ofPathophysiological mechanisms.
- Discussion of treatment implications.
Main Results:
- HIV increases stroke risk through various mechanisms, including opportunistic infections and primary HIV vasculopathy.
- Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has reduced some risks but introduced others, like hyperlipidemia from protease inhibitors.
- An aging HIV-positive population now faces conventional atherosclerotic risks.
Conclusions:
- Stroke in HIV-infected patients is multifactorial, with evolving risk profiles.
- Accurate diagnosis of stroke etiology is crucial for appropriate treatment selection.
- Management requires addressing both HIV-specific and traditional risk factors.
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