Brain tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in an HIV-positive patient: a biopsy-proven case

J Infect Dev Ctries. 2015 May 18;9(5):536-40. doi: 10.3855/jidc.5552.

Abstract

The case of an HIV-infected man from Eritrea previously diagnosed with tuberculosis, who presented neurological impairment and cerebral lesion after having voluntarily stopped anti-tubercular and antiretroviral therapies, is here reported. Treatments associated with steroids and mannitol were administered. The patient's condition improved, but neuroimaging showed a continuous worsening of the lesion, while a great immunological reconstitution was observed. Brain microsurgery was performed. A tuberculosis diagnosis was supported by pathological and microbiological examinations. Tuberculosis arising during immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is a complication of antiretroviral treatment and is considered to be an emerging disorder, especially in countries highly endemic for tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biopsy
  • Brain / pathology
  • Eritrea
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome / pathology*
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / isolation & purification
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / pathology*

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents