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Published on: August 12, 2010
Cryptococcal meningitis and cerebral toxoplasmosis in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Abstract:
A 34-year-old homosexual male developed cryptococcal meningitis as the initial manifestation of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). With antifungal therapy he improved. Six weeks later he developed focal motor seizures and progressive hemiplegia. Computer assisted tomography revealed multiple, ring-enhancing, low density lesions. The patient expired and at necropsy he was found to have multiple toxoplasma brain abscesses as well as chronic cryptococcal meningitis. This case demonstrates that in a patient with AIDS with pre-existing central nervous system infection who develops new neurological symptoms the possibility of a second and potentially treatable infection must be considered and its diagnosis pursued vigorously.
Insights
This case highlights that individuals with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and existing central nervous system infections require prompt investigation for new neurological symptoms, as a second, treatable infection like toxoplasmosis may be present.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) can manifest with opportunistic central nervous system (CNS) infections.
- Cryptococcal meningitis is a common initial CNS manifestation of AIDS.
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