title: Stereotactic biopsy of cerebral lesions in patients with AIDS.
abstract: Central nervous system involvement with AIDS is not uncommon. The indications and timing of brain biopsy remains controversial. Stereotactic CT-guided biopsy offers a safe and effective means of establishing a diagnosis in any patient with a cerebral mass lesion and has less morbidity and mortality than freehand biopsy or exploratory craniotomy. Eleven patients with AIDS have undergone CT-directed stereotactic biopsy between May 1987 and November 1990 with one death from intracerebral haemorrhage. Histological diagnosis of the biopsy specimens showed multifocal leucoencephalopathy, toxoplasmosis, lymphoma and non-specific changes. Biopsy is recommended for patients with an atypical presentation, negative serology, progressive clinical deterioration and differential response of lesions to empirical therapy.
authors.affiliation: National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Pell
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: I R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Whittle
mesh_terms: D015526:AIDS Dementia Complex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed