Brain biopsy in Indiana AIDS patients

The neuropathologic findings of brain biopsies in a series of Indiana AIDS patients were reviewed. All subjects displayed focal lesions on radiographic studies. The three most common diagnoses were toxoplasmosis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and primary central nervous symptoms (CNS) lymphoma. These findings were consistent with previous studies elsewhere. Biopsy appears to affect the course of treatment only if CNS lymphoma is discovered. Because the value of currently available therapy for this disease in AIDS patients is controversial, there is no clear consensus regarding the indications for biopsy in this population.