HIV encephalitis in chronic infection: An acute presentation

Abstract

The acute neurologic syndromes in the setting of HIV infection have been frequently associated with acute retroviral syndrome. However, some conditions like HIV encephalitis may be present in chronic disease.This case describes a 65-year-old man, with a 1-week history of progressive mixed aphasia, without clinical signs of personality or behavioral impairment. This patient's clinical picture was consistent with HIV encephalitis after exclusion of other possible causes of mental status change. The clinical and radiological resolution, after initiation antiretroviral therapy, favored this diagnosis.With the presentation of this clinical case the authors highlight the importance of HIV infection exclusion in the differential diagnosis of acute neurological disorders.