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A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
Published on: September 20, 2018
[The 518th case: multiple intracranial lesions, fever, rash]
Abstract:
This article reports the case of a 58-year-old male patient who presented with a generalized rash, intermittent fever, and a concomitant perianal abscess, as well as mycoplasma pneumoniae psittacosis. The initial symptom was episodic slurred speech, which progressively developed into symptoms such as delayed responses and left-sided limb weakness. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed gradually progressive intracranial lesions characterized primarily by asymmetric white matter damage, with no enhancement upon contrast administration. Serum HIV antibody testing was positive. Next-generation sequencing of pathogens in the cerebrospinal fluid detected DNA from hepatitis B virus, John Cunningham (JC) virus, and Epstein-Barr virus. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with AIDS combined with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. This case highlights that for lesions predominantly involving the white matter with an asymmetric bilateral distribution, the possibility of progressive leukoencephalopathy should be considered, and HIV antibody screening is warranted.
Insights
This case study details a patient diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Early neurological symptoms and white matter lesions warrant consideration of PML and HIV testing.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- A 58-year-old male presented with rash, fever, neurological deficits, and a perianal abscess.
- Initial symptoms included slurred speech, delayed responses, and left-sided limb weakness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
- To highlight diagnostic considerations for white matter lesions in immunocompromised patients.
Main Methods:
- Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess intracranial lesions.
- Serum HIV antibody testing.
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for pathogen detection.
Main Results:
- MRI revealed progressive, asymmetric white matter damage without contrast enhancement.
- HIV antibody testing was positive.
- CSF analysis detected DNA from hepatitis B virus, John Cunningham (JC) virus, and Epstein-Barr virus.
Conclusions:
- The patient was diagnosed with AIDS and PML.
- Asymmetric white matter lesions should prompt consideration of PML and HIV screening.
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