Stroke caused by human immunodeficiency virus-associated intracranial large-vessel aneurysmal vasculopathy

Background: Intracranial aneurysms related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have been well described in pediatric patients but not in adults. Objective: To describe a case of intracranial large-vessel aneurysmal vasculopathy causing stroke in a 27-year-old HIV-infected woman. Design: Comparison of clinical and histological data with previously published cases. Setting: A referral hospital stroke unit. Patient: A 27-year-old HIV-infected woman presenting with stroke; neuroimaging demonstrated fusiform aneurysmal dilation of the left internal carotid and the left middle cerebral artery and its branches. Results: Autopsy showed degeneration of the elastic lamina, myxoid degeneration, and medial atrophy, causing consequent ectasia of the involved intracranial vessels. Conclusion: Aneurysmal dilation of the intracranial arteries occurs in HIV-infected adults, but the pathogenic role of HIV remains unknown. ©2006 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.