Giant serpentine aneurysm of vertebrobasilar artery mimicking dolichoectasia--an unusual complication of pediatric AIDS. Report of a case with review of the literature.

Central nervous system manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in children differ strikingly from adults. Developmental delay, subacute AIDS encephalitis and basal ganglia calcification are common in children, in contrast to opportunistic infections and dementia in adults. Intracranial aneurysms are being recognized with increasing frequency in pediatric AIDS. Fusiform dilatation of vessels of circle of Willis to form large aneurysms, termed cerebral aneurysmal childhood arteriopathy, is an exceedingly rare complication of pediatric AIDS. We report a case of massive fusiform dilatation of vertebrobasilar system mimicking congenital dolichoectasia with evidence suggesting direct causation by HIV-1 Clade C virus. In view of scant literature that exists on this unusual complication of pediatric AIDS, we present a detailed review of all previously recorded cases and review the etiopathogenesis. There are 20 reports (32 cases) on record till date that have mostly involved the anterior circulation, occurring between 4-15 years of age. Occurrence is associated with profound immunosuppression, and perinatally acquired HIV with latent interval of 5.5-11 years to onset of symptoms. Direct causation by HIV is favored as reports demonstrate presence of virus in affected vessels, association with high viral load and, more conclusively, arrest in progression or reversal with early initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The fusiform nature and location of these aneurysms makes any form of surgical intervention or embolization impossible. High degree of clinical suspicion and awareness of this entity is, therefore, important as this can place young patients at risk for major cerebrovascular accidents.

Acute interstitial nephritis in Singapore: a report of five cases.

Interstitial nephritis is an uncommon cause of acute renal failure. Reported incidence varies widely in the literature and may depend on several factors i.e. geographical location, diagnostic criteria, dietary, environmental factors and therapeutic practices. This is a retrospective study of biopsy proven interstitial nephritis in National University Hospital Singapore. We report five cases out of a total of 349 biopsies carried out during a five-year period between September 1997 and August 2002. Four patients presented acutely with fever and or cough. In four patients, there was exposure to traditional Chinese medications and/or drugs. Renal failure in four out of the five patients progressed rapidly, three of whom required dialysis. One patient was treated with steroids. Renal function recovered in all patients with one patient who had significant residual renal impairment after one month.

Nephropathy caused by Chinese herbs in the UK.

The use of Chinese herbal remedies is increasing in the UK. We report the presence of a nephrotoxic compound in herb samples, which led to end-stage renal failure in two patients. We suggest that use of these products is regulated more tightly.

Acute nonspecific carditis in adolescents presenting with Stokes-Adams attacks.

Three patients, aged between 12 and 17 years presented with Stokes-Adams attacks as a result of atrioventricular block, atrioventricular silence and ventricular arrhythmias, complicating acute myocarditis. All the patients required temporary pacing for a few days. One patient required hemodialysis for anuria. All the patients made complete recovery.