AIDS-myelopathy. A neuropathological study.
Vacuolar myelopathy belongs to the AIDS-associated diseases. It is characterized by vacuolation and infiltration of the long tracts of the spinal cord by macrophages. The clinical and morphological findings of 8 AIDS-patients with vacuolar myelopathy are reported here. The syndrome developed during the final stages of AIDS and was associated with HIV-encephalopathy in 5 cases. The vacuoles were mainly due to intramyelinic swelling and vacuolation. Vacuolated macrophages and axons contributed only to a minor degree. In one case only, HIV-antigens were detected immunohistochemically. The results are discussed in the light of modern pathogenetical concepts of HIV-related diseases.
Department of Neuropathology University of Muenster, FRG.
M
M
Bergmann
F
F
Gullotta
K
K
Kuchelmeister
T
T
Masini
G
G
Angeli
D015526:AIDS Dementia Complex / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D015488:HIV Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D014617:Vacuoles / Q000473:pathology
D015488:HIV Antigens