COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM IN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTED INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Background:- HIV is the etiologic agent of AIDS which belongs to the family of human retroviruses. The clinical disease of the nervous system accounts for a significant degree of morbidity in a high percentage of patients with HIV infection. Objectives of study:- To determine the role of computed tomography in central nervous system manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus infected individuals and assessment of the site, nature and extent of lesions. Material & methods:-Sixty patients infected by HIV retovirus having CNS manifestations were subjected to the computed tomography brain using Philips 6 slice MDCT scanner. Results:- The age range was 5-60 years, peak incidence 30-39 years with mean age of 33.03±12.44 years. There were 44 (73.33%) male and 16 (26.67%)female,with male to female ratio of 2.75:1.The commonest complaint was altered sensorium in 25(41.7%) cases,followed by headache 24 (40%) cases, seizures 14(23.3%) cases, and fever 11(18.3%)cases.34(56.67%)cases were having focal lesions with hypodense lesions in 33(55%)cases, hyperdense lesions in 8 (13.33%) cases and isodense lesion 3(5%) cases. Majority of the focal lesions 32 cases(53.33%) had supratentorial location. 51.51% of cases of the hypodense lesions were located in the basal ganglionic region while 48.48% of cases were located in the cerebral hemispheres. Ring or nodular enhancing hyperdense or isodense lesions were seen in 11.67% mostly supratentorial in location. Cerebral atrophy was seen in 23(38.33%) cases. Conclusions:- CT scan is widely available, simple to perform and can be performed quickly on confused, delirious patients. It can provide the clinician with diagnostic as well as prognostic information for a better patient management.

 Key words: Computed Tomography; CNS; HIV