Early Diagnostic Value of Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Distinguishing Toxoplasmic Encephalitis from CNS Lymphoma: A Case Report of AIDS with Seronegative Toxoplasmosis
Abstract
Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) and primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma are the major differential diagnoses of ring-enhanced brain lesions in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Biopsy may be difficult; thus, empirical anti-toxoplasma therapy is often initiated. We report an AIDS patient receiving chemotherapy for Kaposi's sarcoma who developed TE. Weekly gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated diminishment of ring enhancement 7 days after treatment, preceding neurological improvement and lesion size reduction. This early radiological change, captured by rare weekly gadolinium-enhanced MRI, was useful for differentiating TE from lymphoma before neurological improvement.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Toxoplasma gondii Research Studies
Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis
HIV Research and Treatment
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC)
- Volume
- 25
- Pages
- 23259582251407370–23259582251407370
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN