Central pontine myelinolysis in advanced HIV infection with tuberculosis and multicentric Castleman's disease

Int J STD AIDS. 2013 Jul;24(7):583-4. doi: 10.1177/0956462413477557. Epub 2013 Jul 4.

Abstract

We present a case of central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) in a patient with advanced HIV infection and miliary tuberculosis. While hospitalized the patient developed an unusual ataxic variant of CPM with full clinical recovery. Follow-up imaging revealed resolution of pontine lesions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a clinical and radiological recovery from CPM in advanced HIV disease. Our report extends our knowledge of neurological presentations in patients with advanced HIV infection. It highlights the importance of considering CPM in patients with advanced HIV disease presenting with an ataxic syndrome, even in the absence of an electrolyte derangement.

Keywords: AIDS; Africa; Europe; HIV; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; TB; central pontine myelinolysis; multicentric Castleman's disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Castleman Disease / complications*
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Myelinolysis, Central Pontine / complications
  • Myelinolysis, Central Pontine / diagnosis*
  • Myelinolysis, Central Pontine / drug therapy
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis / complications*

Supplementary concepts

  • Multi-centric Castleman's Disease