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Brain atrophy with intracranial calcification following congenital HIV infection
P A Tovo1, C Gabiano, S Favro-Paris
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Turin, Italy.
Insights
Congenital human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can cause severe brain abnormalities in infants, mimicking other congenital infections. This suggests a potential diagnosis of HIV embryopathy in affected newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Congenital human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can lead to significant health challenges in newborns.
- Neurological disturbances are a serious concern in infants with vertically transmitted HIV.
Observation:
- An 18-month-old girl with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) related complex presented with severe, early-onset neurological issues.
- Imaging revealed extensive congenital brain atrophy and diffuse intracranial calcification.
- These findings resembled those typically seen in intrauterine infections.
Findings:
- Standard infectious agents responsible for congenital infections were ruled out in this case.
- The observed brain abnormalities in the infant were highly suggestive of HIV embryopathy.
Implications:
- HIV embryopathy is a potential diagnosis for infants with congenital HIV and severe neurological deficits.
- This condition may present with brain malformations similar to TORCH infections.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and long-term outcomes of HIV embryopathy.
Abstract:
An 18-month-old girl with AIDS related complex following congenital HIV infection suffered since the first days of life from severe neurological disturbances. The extensive congenital brain atrophy and the diffuse intracranial calcification which were found were strongly reminiscent of intrauterine infection. Since the agents usually responsible for congenital infections were excluded an HIV embryopathy appears likely.