Quantitative detection of brain aberrations in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected individuals by magnetic resonance imaging

The later stages of HIV infection are often accompanied by dementia (mental deterioration). Psychometric tests have suggested that impairment of mental function may occur in healthy, asymptomatic HIV-seropositive patients, i.e. those with HIV antibody in their blood who have not yet developed the symptoms of AIDS. However, other studies found no alteration of mental function in asymptomatic HIV positive individuals. To further clarify the issue, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on the brains of 65 HIV-seropositive individuals, 20 HIV-seronegative homosexual individuals, 75 heterosexual controls (no HIV), and 11 individuals with fully developed AIDS symptoms. The MRIs of all of the individuals with AIDS, 50 percent of the asymptomatic HIV group and 55 percent of the seronegative homosexuals showed abnormal white matter physiology and enlarged ventricles. White matter lesions were most evident in the patients with the most severe neurological dysfunctions. HIV was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the asymptomatic seropositive group, as well as from the AIDS group. The control group had normal MRIs with no aberrations in white matter and no HIV in the CSF. It is concluded that early stages of HIV infection can be accompanied by changes in brain physiology without showing signs of neurological dysfunction. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)