Recurrent Ischemic Strokes with Progression of Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis during HIV Treatment

ABSTRACT

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can result in ischemic stroke via several mechanisms, including opportunistic infection, vasculopathy, cardioembolism, and coagulopathy. HIV-vasculopathy is related to endothelial dysfunction, stenosis and aneurysm formation, infectious vasculitis, dissection and accelerated atherosclerosis during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We represent a case of HIV infection manifested as an acute ischemic stroke attack. After 4 months during HAART, our patient experienced a recurrent ischemic stroke with progression of middle cerebral artery stenosis.