INFECTIOUS DISEASE
DIAGNOSIS
■ CXR
■ Classically: Diffuse interstitial infiltrates
■ Other: Focal consolidation, cavitary lesion, or normal
■ LDH and A-a gradient frequently elevated
TREATMENT
■ TMP-SMX (sulfa allergy =clindamycin +primaquine)
■ Prednisone if A-a gradient >35 or PaO 2 <70 mm Hg
MYCOBACTERIUMTB
■ 50–200 times higher incidence in HIV+patients
■ False-negative PPDs common due to immunosuppression
SYMPTOMS/EXAM
■ Fever
■ Cough
■ Hemoptysis
■ Night sweats
■ Weight loss/anorexia
DIAGNOSIS
■ CXR
■ Classically: Upper lobe infiltrates and cavitary lesions
■ CD4<200: Negative or have almost any finding
Neurologic Complications
See Table 8.4 for head CT findings.
TABLE 8.4. Head CT and CSF Findings in HIV
DISEASE HEADCT CSF DEFINITIVEDIAGNOSIS
HIV encephalopathy Atrophy Normal Diagnosis of exclusion
C. neoformans Normal ↑Opening pressure (66%), +Cryptococcal antigen
↑Monos,+India ink (70%)
T. gondii Multiple ring-enhancing ↑Opening pressure, ↑monos Brain biopsy
lesions (subcortex or basal
ganglia)
CNS lymphoma Solitary ring-enhancing ↑Protein Monoclonal malignant
lesions (periventricular) lymphocyteson CSF cytology
Progressive multifocal Nonenhancing white Normal or ↑protein PCR of JC virus
leukoencephalopathy matter lesion(s)
Mycobacterial Intracranial/spinal cord Frequently normal Brain biopsy, normally
meningitis (#1 M. abscesses
avium intracellulare)
HIV+patients with CD4 counts
<200 can have active (highly
contagious) TB with a normal
CXR.