Cerebral aneurysms associated with human immunodeficiency virus in adults: Literature review and new perspectives

Abstract

Introduction: the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been decreasing patient morbidity and mortality by opportunistic infections and, thus, survival has increased. This new reality has been changing the spectrum of diseases affecting such patients. Objective: to discuss the association between HIV and the emergence of aneurysmal brain injuries. Method: it was performed a literature review using medical database. The following descriptors were searched: "Intracranial Aneurysms and HIV", "Intracranial Aneurysms and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome," "aneurysm and brain and HIV". Results: after performed a literature review, it was observed that the relationship between HIV infection and the formation of aneurysms appears to be real, however, it still lacks data to confirm the pathophysiology of this condition and its best treatment. Conclusion: there are new signs and symptoms that should be studied and researched relating HIV with other changes not previously known.