Abstract
This case study is done to show a different type of presentation of a HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) patient. Neurological symptoms in HIV are normally due to Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) which is a reactivated infection caused by John Cunningham virus (JC virus). The disease causes fatal demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS). This case presented a 51-year-old Nigerian man who complained of resistant tremors and unexplained weight loss. The patient was suspected to have HIV when a MRI scan revealed T2/FLAIR hyper intensity of white matter which was a sign of PML. HIV ELISA was done and came back with a positive result. PML presenting in the form of tremors is very rare and more research is required to focus on the neurological presentation of HIV.
Highlights
IntroductionAccording to WHO, “a case of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is defined as an individual with a HIV infection irrespective of clinical stage (including severe or stage 4 clinical disease, known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)) confirmed by laboratory criteria according to country definitions and requirements” [1]
According to WHO, “a case of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is defined as an individual with a HIV infection irrespective of clinical stage confirmed by laboratory criteria according to country definitions and requirements” [1]
Our study shows a similar etiology of tremor as that of the study done by Sporer et al The presentation of HIV in the form of resistant tremors and unexplained weight loss is very uncommon and the various etiologies are still not clearly understood and for this reason more research needs to be done to get a deeper understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of tremors in HIV patients
Summary
According to WHO, “a case of HIV is defined as an individual with a HIV infection irrespective of clinical stage (including severe or stage 4 clinical disease, known as AIDS) confirmed by laboratory criteria according to country definitions and requirements” [1]. HIV is diagnosed based on positive HIV antibody test for two different antigens. In HIV, neurological symptoms mostly arise due to a disease called Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by the reactivation of JC polyomavirus in immunocompromised individuals. This case study is done to show a different presentation of HIV in the form of neurological symptoms
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