Intracranial Mass Lesions in AIDS: a Case Report and Highlight of Diagnostic and Management Problems in Nigeria

Abstract

Cerebral mass lesions are a prominent complication of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The causes are however varied and provide a diagnostic and management challenge to medical practitioners in the developing world where health facilities are limited. We present a case of seizures, hemiparesis and sphincter incontinence in a Nigerian subject who was on anti-retroviral therapy for acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and who was also on treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. He was however poorly compliant on his treatment. His brain computerised tomography scan showed multiple small contrast-enhancing lesions as well as irregularity of the ventricular walls. Serology was negative for toxoplasma IgM antibodies. We review the major differential diagnoses of brain mass lesions in AIDS and highlighted the diagnostic and management problems in Nigeria as typified by this case.


Key Words: HIV, AIDS, Nigerian, Brain, Intracranial mass lesions


Nig. Medical Practitioner Vol. 44(5/6) 2003: 100-104