Cytomegalovirus encephalomyelomeningoradiculitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Acute inflammatory polyradiculitis represents an uncommon peripheral nerve complication during HIV infection. The case of an HIV-seropositive patient who was admitted to hospital for a cauda equina syndrome is reported. Despite early application of anticytomegalic medication, a cytomegalovrirus (CMV) infection spread out to the central nervous system (CNS), causing the patient's death. A post-mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis of CMV-encephalomyelomeningoradiculitis. To the authors' knowledge, such a progress of a CMV-related polyradiculitis to an encephalomyelomeningoradiculitis has not yet been described. The clinical features of this case will aid in the recognition of CMV-related neurological complications, and may permit earlier and perhaps more successful treatment.