AIDS dementia complex

Background

• Also referred to as HIV encephalopathy
• Progressive disorder heralded by impairment of recent memory and other cognitive deficits
• Occurs in 10-15% of HIV+ pts; 30% of pts w/ CD4 <100
• Diagnosis of exclusion

Clinical Features

• Can initially be confused with depression, anxiety disorders, or substance abuse
• Changes in mental status
• Aphasia
• Motor abnormalities. Patients with an established diagnosis of AIDS dementia who develop progressive neurologic or psychologic signs or symptoms warrant further evaluation for systemic or CNS processes

Diagnosis

• Head CT shows cortical atrophy and ventricular enlargement
• Associated w/ elevated CSF protein in 50-70% of cases

See Also

• HIV - AIDS (Main)
• Altered Mental Status

Source

Tintinalli