Encephalitis in primary HIV infection: challenges in diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

We report a case of primary HIV encephalitis, which initially presented as acute psychosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was suggestive of vasculitis and multiple infarctions, whereas a brain biopsy after six weeks of symptoms showed HIV encephalitis with microglial nodules, but no signs of vasculitis. We review previous reported cases and radiological findings in HIV encephalitis and discuss the role of antiretroviral therapy and steroids in its management.

Zika virus-induced neurological critical illness in Latin America: Severe Guillain-Barre Syndrome and encephalitis

“…These findings are compatible with a diagnosis of encephalitis. nadir was reached in a median of 5 days, consistent with GBS reports of 12 h to 28 days [20,30]. Nevertheless, the CSF analysis showed 4 patients with pleocytosis, and none with albumin-cytologic dissociation (an increase in CSF protein levels without a corresponding increase in cellular content characteristic of GBS).…”

“…Although variable, the median ICU stay was 6.5 (IQR 9-6). Although there is no data regarding ZIKAV-related GBS in particular, it was shorter than the two or three weeks described for other patients with GBS [20,30]. The need for ventilator support was higher, as 60% required intubation and mechanical ventilation due to muscular failure.…”