The efficacy and clinical impact of brain imaging in neurologically symptomatic AIDS patients: a prospective CT/MRI study

Article Abstract:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic technique in which electromagnetic energy is used to provide images of the heart, large blood vessels, brain, and soft tissues. Computed tomography (CT) is an X-ray method that shows detailed images of structures in a selected plane of tissue by blurring images of structures in all other planes. The effectiveness of these two methods for detecting abnormalities of the brain was assessed in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The study included 50 homosexual or bisexual men with AIDS and nervous system abnormalities. MRI and CT provided similar diagnostic information in 24 patients, showing normal findings in 16 cases, cerebral atrophy or brain wasting in six cases, and similar brain lesions in two cases. In one patient, CT showed the presence of one lesion not detected by MRI. But MRI was more sensitive than CT in detecting the extent and distribution of central nervous system disease in the remaining 25 cases. The diagnosis and management of central nervous system disorders were altered in 20 cases due to the greater sensitivity of MRI. The results show that MRI was equally or more effective than CT in identifying intracranial disorders in 49 of 50 AIDS patients, and MRI significantly influenced the diagnosis and treatment of 40 percent of these patients. Because of its increased sensitivity, MRI may be the best imaging technique for assessing nerve-related illness among AIDS patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Abnormalities, Central nervous system, Magnetic resonance imaging, Tomography, Medical imaging equipment

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Persistent B19 parvovirus infection in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1): a treatable cause of anemia in AIDS

Article Abstract:

Human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) is an incurable viral infection, resulting in compromised immune system function that ultimately leads to the development of AIDS. One of the many manifestations of HIV-1 is anemia, the reduction of the number of circulating red blood cells. Human B19 parvovirus is another infective microorganism that can cause impaired production of red blood cells. Infection with B19 parvovirus results in rheumatic symptoms in adults and fifth disease (an infectious disease characterized by skin rashes) in children; these conditions usually abate spontaneously following production of antibodies against the virus. In patients with HIV-1 infection, the failure to develop an adequate immune response to B19 infection can lead to particularly severe anemia. Seven patients diagnosed with both HIV-1 and B19 parvovirus infections, and who were severely anemic, underwent treatment with intravenous administration of commercially available immunoglobulin (a family of proteins that can act as antibodies). This resulted in an immediate reduction of blood levels of B19 parvovirus and normalization of red blood cell production. In two patients, blood chemistry tests predicted imminent relapse, which was successfully treated by continued immunoglobulin injections. It is concluded that B19 parvovirus infection is a treatable cause of anemia in patients infected with HIV-1 virus. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Anemia, Causes of, Parvovirus infections

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