Imaging features of CNS involvement in AIDS.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) significantly impacts neuroradiological workload globally.
• Neurological complications affect approximately one-third of AIDS patients, primarily opportunistic infections and primary CNS lymphoma.
• The incidence of AIDS and associated neurological diseases is increasing in Turkey.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the imaging features of common central nervous system (CNS) diseases in HIV-seropositive patients.
• To aid radiologists in recognizing and diagnosing HIV-associated neurological conditions.
• To provide insights based on a tertiary care center's experience from 2002-2008.

Main Methods:

• Review of radiological studies from HIV-seropositive patients managed at a tertiary care center.
• Focus on common central nervous system (CNS) diseases encountered in this population.
• Analysis of imaging findings associated with opportunistic infections and primary CNS lymphoma.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of imaging characteristics for various CNS diseases in HIV-seropositive patients.
• Emphasis on differentiating opportunistic infections from primary CNS lymphoma based on imaging.
• Correlation of imaging findings with clinical presentation and diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists must be proficient in identifying HIV-associated CNS diseases and their imaging manifestations.
• Recognizing specific imaging patterns aids in timely diagnosis and appropriate patient management.
• This review serves as a valuable resource for understanding the neuroradiological spectrum of CNS diseases in AIDS.