[Cerebrovascular accidents and AIDS]

A number of pathological and clinical data suggest that AIDS could be an underestimated cause of cerebro-vascular disease, especially in young individuals. Eight retrospective cases of stroke in AIDS patients are reported. Mean age was 39 years, mean CD4 cells count 57/mm3. Pathogenic mechanism, particularly the role of opportunistic infections remains unclear. Prognosis does not seem constantly pejorative: only one patient died from stroke, six are still alive with a 6 months follow-up, without relapse and with minor or no sequellae. Alcohol or cocaine (crack) abuse was present in half the cases. The role of specific risk factors and consequently adapted prophylaxis is questionned.