Sean Maldonado BS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Gabriella Beatriz Tantillo BA, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cedric William Pluguez-Turull MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Richard Zack-Guasp, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cristina Quintero BA, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Melisa Rivera, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Guido E. Santacana-Laffitte MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eduardo Jose Labat MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Prior to the advent of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), opportunistic infections were the main causes of CNS pathology in HIV/AIDS patients. In patients currently on HAART, HIV-associated neurodegenerative disorders (HAND) are replacing infections as the primary CNS pathologies. This exhibit will review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and characteristic imaging findings for HAND spectrum diseases.

HIV illness can result in a spectrum of neurocognitive deficits ranging from asymptomatic neurodegeneration to full blown AIDS Dementia complex. These clinical findings can manifest as changes in neuroimaging. This exhibit will review the characteristic imaging findings present in the HAND spectrum. Clinical history and physical exam will be correlated with imaging findings drawn from a PACS database at our institution. Particular attention will be paid to the pattern of neurodegeneration, the localization of brain lesions, and the severity of neurocognitive impairment.

AIDS Dementia Complex is an AIDS-defining illness that is part of the HAND spectrum. However, history and physical exam findings may be nonspecific or insufficient to make the diagnosis given the wide gamut of CNS lesions affecting immunosuppressed patients. Neuroimaging can help point to the diagnosis of HAND and exclude other neuropathologies.

Maldonado, S, Tantillo, G, Pluguez-Turull, C, Zack-Guasp, R, Quintero, C, Rivera, M, Santacana-Laffitte, G, Labat, E, Seeing the HAND: The Link between HIV Status and Dementia.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13020594.html