A Severe Case of Molluscum Contagiosum Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients initiating antiretroviral treatment (ART) is caused by restored immunity to specific antigens, resulting in worsening of a pre-existing infection. Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is commonly noted in HIV-positive individuals but ART alone is usually sufficient to bring about resolution. We present a rare case of severe MC-IRIS that worsened despite immune reconstitution.

Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection Presenting as Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy in a Young AIDS Patient

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can restore protective immune responses against opportunistic infections (OIs) and reduce mortality in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Some patients treated with ART may develop immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)-related IRIS most commonly presents as lymphadenitis, soft-tissue abscesses, and deteriorating lung infiltrates. However, neurological presentations of IRIS induced by MAC have been rarely described. We report the case of a 31-year-old man with an HIV infection. He developed productive cough and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) three months after the initiation of ART. He experienced an excellent virological and immunological response. Sputum culture grew MAC. The patient was diagnosed with MAC-related IRIS presenting as CIDP, based on his history and laboratory, radiologic, and electrophysiological findings. Results: Neurological symptoms improved after plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of CIDP due to MAC-related IRIS. Clinicians should consider MAC-related IRIS in the differential diagnosis of CIDP in patients with HIV infections following the initiation of ART.

An Unusual Presentaton of Tuberculosis with Septic Shock and Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in an Immunocompetent Patient

Tuberculosis presenting as septic shock is a rare entity especially in an immunocompetent patient. It has been reported in only 1% of patients with septic shock. Tuberculosis associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is the paradoxical worsening of the current condition or the development of new lesions in patients who are on anti-tuberculosis treatment. In non-HIV patients with tuberculosis, the incidence of IRIS is only about 2.4%. We report a 29 year old immunocompetant female who presented with septic shock and on continued evaluation she tested positive for mycobacterium tuberculosis by Genexpert (sensitive to rifampicin) done in BAL fluid. All possible causes for immunodeficiency were ruled out. She was started on Anti-Tuberculosis therapy (ATT) and a month later, patient deteriorated clinically with high spiking temperatures and troublesome constitutional symptoms. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) abdomen and chest revealed new onset multiple enlarged necrotic mediastinal, para aortic and hilar lymph nodes. After extensive evaluation including autoimmune profile, fungal culture, viral serology, Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, bone marrow analysis and ruling out all other possible causes for fever, IRIS was suspected and patient was started on steroids along with ATT. There was a drastic improvement in her symptoms within a week. She completed her course of ATT and steroids were gradually tapered. At 2 years of follow up, the patient is doing well.

The predictive power of MRI criteria in the diagnosis of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome by the comparison of classification using the decision tree method and ROC analysis

Introduction. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome involving the central nervous system (CNS-IRIS) is a dangerous complication in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The radiologic features of this syndrome have been little studied and are presented in isolated works. The diagnosis is difficult because there are no generally accepted criteria for IRIS. Our study is devoted to radiology of IRIS. Based on the results of brain MRI, together with clinical and laboratory data, MRI criteria for IRIS were formulated.Purpose and goals. To determine the prognostic value of MRI signs of CNS-IRIS using in a cohort of HIV-positive patients with neurological symptoms.Materials and methods. The analysis includes data from 68 HIV-infected patients who underwent brain MRI. In 14 of them were diagnosed IRIS with involvement of the central nervous system. To determine the diagnostic efficiency of the formulated MRI criteria, the STATISTICA program was used, decision trees were built, and a ROC analysis was performed.Results. Five decision tree models were built with different predictive values. The models took into account the categorical predictors (MRI criteria) in different order and quantity. The best performance has model #5, which can be considered a clinically useful predictive model.Conclusion. Brain MRI is an essential diagnostic step in HIV-infected patients on ART. It is necessary to expand the indications and conditions for radiological studies of the brain in patients with suspected immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.

Nannizziopsis Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in a Patient with HIV: First Reported Case

We describe the case of a 35-year-old HIV-positive male of African origin diagnosed with neurotoxoplasmosis and a Nannizziopsis spp. cavitating pulmonary lesion unmasking immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). The patient presented with headache, left hemiparesis and confusion. MRI of the brain showed two space-occupying lesions in the right basal ganglia and left parietal lobe typical for neurotoxoplasmosis. The patient tested positive for HIV and had advanced CD4 lymphopenia. After commencement of antiretroviral treatment, a CT scan of the chest showed a cavitating lesion in the right upper lobe. The diagnosis of Nannizziopsis spp. fungal infection was confirmed by DNA sequencing on a bronchial wash sample. The patient achieved complete recovery with antiretroviral therapy, standard neurotoxoplasmosis treatment and antifungal treatment with voriconazole for 12 weeks.

1401. Infliximab for Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) in Tuberculous Meningitis; A Treatment Paradox

Background Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors are known for the reactivation of latent tuberculosis (TB). As a paradox, it has been reported to have a role in the treatment of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) from anti-TB therapy. Methods We report a case of paradoxical worsening of central nervous system TB after initiation of anti-TB medications, which was treated successfully with infliximab (TNF-α inhibitor). Results A 34-year-old man from Nepal with a history of untreated latent TB presented with complaints of occipital headache, slurred speech, and witnessed seizure. His physical exam was consistent with hyperreflexia. MRI of the brain revealed multiple small contrast-enhancing lesions in cerebral hemispheres. CT Chest showed bilateral centrilobular nodules suggestive of miliary TB. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed pleocytosis, high protein, and low glucose. He was started on isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide along with high-dose dexamethasone for TB meningitis. Later, MTB DNA probe from bronchioalveolar lavage and CSF detected Mycobacterium Tuberculosis which was pan-susceptible. Repeat MRI of the brain 6 months into therapy revealed worsening of brain lesions. Moxifloxacin and linezolid were added to the regimen given clinical progression on first-line therapy. 6-months into this enhanced regimen he started experiencing blurring of vision. Visual field mapping showed left homonymous hemianopia. Repeat MRI of the brain confirmed extensive changes of basilar meningitis completely enveloping the optic chiasm. IRIS from TB was suspected. His prednisone dose was increased, and 3-doses of infliximab infusion were, 2-weeks apart were administered which showed clinical and radiological improvement. MRI Brain MRI Brain (axial T2/flair sequence) shows hyperintensities in multiple locations including the involvement of the left optic nerve and the left occipital region. Conclusion Exacerbation of pre-existing clinical symptoms, formation of new lesions, or cavitation of prior pulmonary infiltrates is known as tuberculosis IRIS or paradoxical reaction. Despite the clinical and radiological exacerbation, mycobacterial cultures usually stay negative. Continuation of anti-TB medications and high-dose corticosteroids are the backbone of treatment but in refractory cases, immune modulation is needed with anti-TNF-α agents. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures