Toxoplasmosis simulating progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Velez Borras, J.R.; Joy, J.L.; Colon, H.F.
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico 82(3): 219-220
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4849 Document Number: 700030
A case is described of a 29-year-old man, a parenteral drug abuser in Puerto Rico, who presented with typical CT findings of progressive multiple leukoencephalopathy (PML). Neurological examination revealed a mild right hemiparesis and CT demonstrated multiple low-density areas confined to the white matter. A presumptive diagnosis of AIDS and PML was made. Septicaemia due to Salmonella was present. The patient died 10 days after admission to hospital. At autopsy, many Toxoplasma gondii cysts were found in necrotic areas of the white matter (corresponding to the CT lesions) but histopathological changes of PML were absent.