Previous studies of the frequency of high-signal lesions in human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have had methodological weaknesses
regarding lack of control groups, differing machine strengths, and biased
subject selection. To obtain a more accurate estimate of prevalence, MRI
scans were performed on 243 HIV-positive and HIV-negative homosexual or
bisexual men with no history of intravenous drug use. Axial T2-weighted
(long TR/TE, spin-echo) MRI scans were rated blindly for presence of focal
white matter high-signal lesions. Incidence of hyperintensities was low in
all groups, although slightly higher in patients with AIDS, and was not
associated with neuropsychological performance. The lower incidence of
hyperintensities appears to relate to elimination of methodological
problems in previous studies.Abstract Teaser