Clinical Reasoning: Progressive Hemiparesis and White Matter Abnormalities in an HIV-Negative Patient

Neurology. 2023 Jun 13;100(24):1156-1163. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207096. Epub 2023 Feb 16.

Abstract

A 61-year-old man from India was admitted to hospital after being found unresponsive by the roadside. He was treated with dual-antiplatelet therapy for an acute coronary syndrome. Ten days into admission, he had mild left-sided face, arm, and leg weakness, which progressed significantly over the next 2 months in association with progressive white matter abnormalities on brain MRI. In this case study, we outline our clinical reasoning, which led to the detection of a rare underlying cause of a devastating neurologic disease. We also present our approach to treatment, which achieved a sustained clinical and radiologic response.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Reasoning
  • HIV Infections*
  • Humans
  • India
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paresis
  • White Matter*