Cerebral toxoplasmosis in patients with AIDS
Rossitch, E.; Carrazana, E.J.; Samuels, M.A.
American Family Physician 41(3): 867-873
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-838X PMID: 2407076 Document Number: 351218
This paper emphasises the need to consider diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis when neurological signs and symptoms develop in patients with AIDS. Computed tomographic scanning, toxoplasma serology, CSF analysis, electroencephalography and brain biopsy are discussed as methods of diagnosis. Therapy and management guidelines for cerebral toxoplasmosis in AIDS patients are discussed. Patients with positive serology and characteristic lesions on computed tomographic scans should receive 2 weeks of antitoxoplasma therapy. Biopsy is recommended for patients with atypical presentation, negative serology, progressive clinical deterioration or differential response of lesions to empiric therapy.