Opportunistic cerebral vasculopathy and stroke in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To describe an unusual cause of stroke in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

DESIGN

An observational case series of hospitalized patients with subsequent autopsy.

MEASURES

Clinical, radiological, and pathological examinations were performed.

RESULTS

In three of 14 patients with stroke, the infarctions were secondary to an opportunistic vasculopathy caused by Candida albicans, cytomegalovirus, or lymphoma.

CONCLUSION

Opportunistic conditions may lead to vascular abnormalities and subsequent stroke in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.