Intracranial toxoplasmosis in retroviral disease: An important differential of many space-occupying lesions in resource-limited settings

Irek EO; Oduola OK; Oyelayo OO; Osarenkhoe OJ

doi:10.61386/imj.v19i4.1391

Authors

Irek EO Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Afe Babalola University/Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital. Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti. Nigeria
Oduola OK Department of accident and emergency, Afe Babalola University Multi-system hospital. Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria
Oyelayo OO Department of Surgery, Afe-Babalola University/Department of Radiology Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital. Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti. Nigeria
Osarenkhoe OJ Department of Internal medicine, Afe Babalola university/Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital. Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti. Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v19i4.1391

Keywords:

Toxoplasmosis, Nigeria, Space-occupying lesion, neuroimaging, Protozoon

Abstract

Background: Intracranial toxoplasmosis (IT) in HIV could be misdiagnosed for other space-occupying lesions (SOLs).

Case presentation: We report of a case of a 52-year-old man who presented with progressive left-sided body weakness of a week and altered sensorium of nine hours. While CT suggested glioma, MRI characterized the lesion better which was suggestive of IT after HIV diagnosis.
The patient was placed on anti-toxoplasmosis and anti-retroviral drugs. Clinical recovery was significant within 12-hours of regimen commencement.

Conclusion: A high index of suspicion, MRI and initiating timely therapy are essential to forestall mortality due to this protozoan infection in PLWHA presenting with focal neurological deficits.