CNS toxoplasmosis as the initial presentation of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Neurological manifestations are present in 30% to 60% of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and may be the initial presentation in 10% to 20% of cases. Central nervous system toxoplasmosis now represents the most common focal brain lesion in patients with AIDS and possibly the most common opportunistic infection. A case of fulminant central nervous system toxoplasmosis as the initial presentation of AIDS is presented. Emergency physicians will be confronted with neurological complications of AIDS with increasing frequency in the future and should maintain a high index of suspicion for human immunodeficiency virus infection in young patients with neurological dysfunction.