title: Central nervous system syndromes in solid organ transplant recipients.
abstract: Solid organ transplant recipients have a high incidence of central nervous system (CNS) complications, including both focal and diffuse neurologic deficits. In the immunocompromised host, the initial clinical evaluation must focus on both life-threatening CNS infections and vascular or anatomic lesions. The clinical signs and symptoms of CNS processes are modified by the immunosuppression required to prevent graft rejection. In this population, these etiologies often coexist with drug toxicities and metabolic abnormalities that complicate the development of a specific approach to clinical management. This review assesses the multiple risk factors for CNS processes in solid organ transplant recipients and establishes a timeline to assist in the evaluation and management of these complex patients.
authors.affiliation: Transplant Infectious Disease Program, Massachusetts General Hospital.
authors.forename: Alissa J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.affiliation: Transplant Infectious Disease Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Transplant Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Jay A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Fishman
mesh_terms: D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D002494:Central Nervous System Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D012307:Risk Factors; D019737:Transplants
keywords: central nervous system; fungus; meningitis; organ transplant; virus