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We report an unusual clinical presentation of toxoplasmosis. Fever and headache were the only complaints of a 48-year-old immunocompetent man who was found to have a rash, hepatitis and a pericardial effusion. Lymphadenopathy was not present. Evolving atypical lymphocytosis was the clue to the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. Undercooked meat was the probable source of infection.
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PMID:Unusual presentation of acquired toxoplasmosis in an immunocompetent adult. 780 80

Complications of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome may involve any level of the central or peripheral nervous system. Acute encephalitis, aseptic meningitis and acute demyelinating polyneuropathy may occur early in the course of HIV infection, while dementia, central nervous system-related cancer, opportunistic infections and autonomic neuropathy typically present later. Headache and mental status changes are common early manifestations of central nervous system involvement. Most severe headaches are related to an identifiable cause, including a mass lesion, opportunistic cerebral infection and medication side effect. Memory deficits, concentration difficulties and abnormalities on mental status testing may represent early AIDS dementia complex (HIV encephalopathy), the most common neurologic complication. In patients with AIDs, the differential diagnosis of cerebral mass lesions on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging includes cerebral toxoplasmosis, tuberculous or fungal abscess, focal viral encephalitis, metastatic resonance imaging includes cerebral toxoplasmosis, tuberculous or fungal abscess, focal viral encephalitis, metastatic Kaposi's sarcoma and primary CNS lymphoma. Peripheral neuromuscular disease, including distal symmetric polyneuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, and HIV and chronic zidovudine myopathy, affects 15 to 40 percent of all persons with HIV infection or AIDS.
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PMID:Common neurologic complications of HIV-1 infection and AIDS. 784 35

A presumptive diagnosis of toxoplasmic encephalitis was made in 73 of the 428 AIDS patients followed in the Bordeaux Regional Hospital between 1985 and 1990. The sex ratio (M:F) was 2.8:1. The mean age was 36.2 years. Forty-three percent were homosexuals, 30 percent intravenous drug abusers. The encephalitis revealed the HIV infection in 10 percent of the cases; it was the first opportunistic infection in 27 percent. The clinical manifestations were: focal neurologic deficit (62 percent), fever (58 percent), headaches (47 percent), altered consciousness (45 percent), seizures (18 percent). The CT scan findings were focal lesions with (60 percent) or without (40 percent) ring enhancement. Oedema was present in 58 percent of the lesions, and multiple lesions in 59 percent. At the time of diagnosis, the mean CD4 lymphocyte count was 72 per mm3. The initial therapeutic regimens were: pyrimethamine (P) plus sulfadiazine (n = 57), P plus clindamycin (n = 11) and P plus clarithromycin (n = 5). Following acute therapy the patients had a complete (64 percent) or partial (18 percent) response, and 18 percent died. Adverse reactions were noticed in 53 percent. Sixty patients received a maintenance therapy; after a mean follow-up of 8 months, 12 relapsed and died of toxoplasmic encephalitis; 17 died of another cause. The median survival after toxoplasmosis was diagnosed was 7.5 months.
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PMID:[Cerebral toxoplasmosis in AIDS. 73 cases. Clinical Epidemiology Group on AIDS in Aquitania]. 837 80

A 37-year-old woman with chronic myelogenous leukemia underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with CD8-depleted marrow from an HLA-identical sister. On day 43 post-transplant, the patient developed a headache and became lethargic and tremulous. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed abnormal meningeal and superficial parenchymal enhancement anteriorly. The spinal fluid had an elevated protein level with normal glucose and a neutrophilic pleocytosis. At autopsy, Toxoplasma meningoencephalitis was seen. On review of the literature, headache and confusion at 1-2 months post-transplant are common presenting signs of central nervous system toxoplasmosis. The predominance of neutrophils in the spinal fluid in this patient probably reflects the meningeal component of the infection and is an unusual finding. The presentation of toxoplasmosis in marrow transplant recipients is quite pleomorphic, and a definite diagnosis is difficult to obtain antemortem. Empiric therapy with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine should be considered for marrow transplant recipients with neurologic deficits for which there is no other apparent etiology.
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PMID:Leptomeningeal toxoplasmosis after allogeneic marrow transplantation. Case report and review of the literature. 845 99

We have retrospectively reviewed 63 cases of encephalic toxoplasmosis (ET) in HIV-infected patients in order to determine clinical and radiological characteristics, the diagnostic value of serologic determinations, and the response to antioxoplasmic therapy. ET was the AIDS-defining condition in 44% of the patients. Eighty of the patients had a CD4 cell count < 100/microliters when ET was diagnosed. Only 4.8% of the patients had been taking anti-Pneumocytis carinii prophylaxis with cotrimoxazol. The most frequent clinical presentation was focal neurologic signs in 80.9% of the patients, with headache and fever in 53.3% and 42.4%, respectively. The most frequent cerebral CT finding was hipodense lesions (92%) with ring enhancement (68.9%). They were most frequently had a hemisferic location. Seroconversion was detected in two patients (6%), whereas 55 patients had serologic evidence of latent infection by Toxoplasma gondii (87.3%). Ninety eight percent of the patients were treated with sulphadiazine plus pyrimethamine. However, such therapy should be discontinued in 22% of them and switched to clindamycin plus pyrimethamine. The overall mortality rate during the acute phase of the disease was 7.9%, but 41.4% of the survivors exhibited neurologic sequelae. Relapsing ET was detected in 33.3% of the patients, and it was usually due to discontinuation of treatment. The mean survival time after the diagnosis of ET was 11.5 months. ET is the most common opportunistic infection of the central nervous system among our AIDS patients. Primary prophylaxis for toxoplasmic infection seems advisable in our epidemiologic environment, when CD4 cell count is less than 200/microliters and there is serologic evidence of latent infection. Acute ET usually has a good response to therapy, and the acute mortality rate is low. However, most of the survivors will remain with neurologic sequelae. The high frequency of adverse effects to sulphamide therapy with clindamycin make the need of alternative treatment strategies urgent.
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PMID:[Cerebral toxoplasmosis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Clinico-radiological and therapeutic aspects in 63 patients]. 867 24

The authors present 17 cases of symptomatic acute toxoplasmosis acquired by the ingestion of raw mutton offered during a party in September 1993. The incubation period carried from 6 to 13 days (10.9 +/- 7.0). Sixteen (94.5%) patients presented fever, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, and adenopathy (cervical or cervical/axilar). Hepatomegaly was found in 6 patients, splenomegaly in 4 and rash in 2. One patient presented clinical picture of chorioretinitis confirmed by ophthalmological exam. All patients showed increased serum levels of specific antibodies (IgG and IgM) on indirect immunofuorescence assay evidencing acute phase of toxoplasmosis. The patients were treated with specific drugs for toxoplasmosis and presented satisfactory clinical and laboratory response.
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PMID:[Outbreak of acute toxoplasmosis transmitted thru the ingestion of ovine raw meat]. 902 28

Infections of the nervous system remain a significant source of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. This paper reviews the main pathogens and emphasizes some of the principles of diagnosis and management of nervous system infections in cancer patients. Due to immunosuppression, diagnosis is more difficult in this group, secondary to the multitude of potential pathogens, and often by their atypical presentations. Fever or headache are often the only symptoms. Clinical history and general examination should guide appropriate studies such as neuroimaging. CSF analysis, cultures, and brain biopsy. Diagnostic evaluation should be pursued rapidly and aggressively since specific treatments can often reduce morbidity and mortality. Bacterial infections are generally due to break-down of the natural barriers and neutropenia. In neutropenia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriae are the most frequent etiology. If all causes of immunodepression are included, Listeria monocytogenes meningitis is the main bacterial infection encountered. Fungal infections have emerged as a major cause of death among cancer patients. The prognosis of cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis meningitis are markedly improved with new antifungal therapy. Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis, which may cause cerebral abcesses and secondary vascular complications, are almost always fatal. The incidence of meningo-cerebral Candidiasis is often underestimated. Similar to Histoplasmosis, it is frequently disseminated. Viral infections are mainly seen in patients with T-lymphocyte defects. Herpes-simplex virus and Varicella-Zoster virus encephalitis should quicky lead to intravenous treatment with Acyclovir. As in AIDS patients, cerebral toxoplasmosis is the most frequent parasitic infection and appropriate therapy greatly reduces morbidity. It should be emphasized that multitude pathogens are often seen in cancer patients. Despite development of new therapeutic agents, central nervous system infections should still be considered life-threatening. Therefore, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral prophylaxis should be the rule for all cancer patients.
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PMID:[Central nervous system infections in patients with malignant diseases]. 903 51

Toxoplasma gondii is a frequent cause of subclinical latent human infection and an important opportunistic pathogen that may cause severe disease in immunocompromised patients. Patients with AIDS who have antibodies to T. gondii should be considered at high risk for development of clinical disease (toxoplasmosis). Reactivation of latent infection in the central nervous system is a common HIV/AIDS-related complication in these patients. Typical presenting symptoms are headache, confusion, fever, and focal neurologic deficits. Routine serologic tests cannot distinguish active from latent infection. Neuroradiologic studies may be highly suggestive of toxoplasmic encephalitis, but the definitive diagnosis can be made only by demonstration of toxoplasma in brain tissue. The unique pathogenesis of toxoplasmic encephalitis in patients with AIDS necessitates intensive primary therapy followed by life long suppressive therapy. Clinical and radiographic improvement is usually rapid with appropriate treatment.
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PMID:Recognition and management of toxoplasmosis. 931 66

Toxoplasmosis of the central nervous system (CNS) is the most common cause of intracerebral lesions in patients with AIDS. It is now standard clinical practice to treat empirically, based on clinical and radiographic findings, and to perform a biopsy of the lesion only in those patients who fail to have a clinical and radiographic response after two weeks of therapy. This study describes the presentation and response to therapy of central nervous system toxoplasmosis in patients with AIDS at a private practice in Mexico City. A retrospective chart and radiology review of all patients with AIDS treated empirically for toxoplasmosis between 1988 and 1993 was performed. A total of 177 patients with AIDS were seen, nine (5.1%) had toxoplasmosis. Patients with toxoplasmosis were males with a median age of 39 years (range 26 - 65). In two patients, toxoplamosis of the CNS was the initial manifestation of HIV infection, all others had a prior diagnosis of AIDS with a mean of 10 months between their first AIDS defining event and the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. The median CD4+ T-cell count at the time of the diagnosis of toxoplamsosis was 78 cells/microL. Most patients had headache associated with other focal neurological symptoms such as hemiplegia (2), hemiparesis (2) or seizures (4). Only 4 out of 9 patients had fever as part of their initial clinical presentation. Serum IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were positive in 6 out of 7 patients tested, while IgM antibodies were negative in all patients. On imaging studies (Computerized Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging), 4 patients had a single lesion while the rest had two or more lesions. Two patients were initially treated with pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine and were later changed to pyrimethamine/clindamycin, which was the treatment given from the beginning to all other patients. One patient died of an intralesional hemorrhage two weeks after the diagnosis despite adequate therapy. The probability of surviving 6 months after the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was 60%. The findings of these authors are similar to those reported in other series where toxoplasmosis of the CNS is a late complication of HIV infection associated with a CD4+ cell count of < 100 cells/microL. However, survival was short in spite of a good response to therapy.
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PMID:Toxoplasmosis of the central nervous system in patients with AIDS in Mexico. 942 78

To provide histological diagnoses of brain diseases, CT-guided stereotactic brain biopsy (CT-SBB) has been widely used because of its less invasive technique compared with open brain biopsy (OBB). However, CT-SBB is not always diagnostic. We report a case of multiple intracranial tuberculoma whose diagnosis was not made by CT-SBB but by OBB. The patient is a 46-year-old man with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus who had been receiving immunosuppressive agents (azathioprine, cyclosporin, and prednisolone) after renal transplantation for diabetic renal failure for 9 years. He gradually developed febrile, headache and unsteady gait. Brain MRI demonstrated multiple intracranial lesions involving left fronto-temporal and right parietal lobes, left cerebellar hemisphere, and the fourth ventricle. Although the MRI findings were consistent with those of previously reported cases of intracranial tuberculoma, other conditions, such as malignant lymphoma and toxoplasmosis, were not ruled out. Therefore, CT-SBB targeting the left temporal lobe lesion was done for definitive diagnosis, but it revealed only mild perivascular infiltration of mononuclear cells and hemorrhage. He was transferred to our clinic for further evaluation. On examination, mild truncal and limb ataxia on the left were noted in addition to the neurological findings corresponding to diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy. Despite vigorous laboratory examinations, including repeated bacterial cultures and PCR of cerebrospinal fluid, no evidence of tuberculous infection was obtained. A tentative diagnosis of multiple intracranial tuberculoma was made, and anti-tuberculous drugs (isoniazid 400 mg, ethambutol 750 mg, and pyrazinamide 1.5 g) were administered. Since his symptoms deteriorated because of ventricular dilatation resulting from the enlarged lesion in the fourth ventricle after a temporary clinical improvement, VP-shunting and OBB from the left temporal lobe lesion were done. The excised lesion was firmly encapsulated and the histological examination revealed typical pathology of tuberculoma. Ziehl-Neelsen staining and PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis of the biopsied specimen were also positive. Further administration of increased doses of anti-tuberculous drugs (isoniazid 600 mg, ethambutol 500 mg, pyrazinamide 2.0 g and intramuscular injection of streptomycin 0.3 g twice a week) eventually ameliorated the symptoms and shrank the lesions. In case of intracranial tuberculoma, the needle of CT-SBB may not penetrate the firm capsule of tuberculoma and only the surrounding brain tissue may be obtained as in the present case. Therefore, it is recommended to consider OBB from the beginning for definitive diagnosis of intracranial tuberculoma. Paradoxical worsening of the clinical and laboratory findings of tuberculosis in spite of appropriate anti-tuberculous therapy as seen in the present case has been described in both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. The phenomenon, called transient worsening, could happen and we have to keep it in mind during the treatment of intracerebral tuberculoma.
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PMID:[A case of multiple intracranial tuberculoma diagnosed by open brain biopsy]. 949 Sep


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