A Delayed Diagnosis: HIV Dementia Masquerading as Adolescent Depression
A new case report in Pediatrics details the diagnostic journey of a 17-year-old boy presenting with progressive weakness, functional decline, and mood changes, initially suggestive of a psychiatric disorder. The patient was ultimately found to have a new diagnosis of AIDS stemming from a previously undetected, perinatally acquired HIV infection. This case underscores the critical importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis, especially for at-risk youth, as the presentation of advanced HIV can mimic other conditions, leading to dangerous delays in identifying and treating the underlying viral infection.
Why it might matter to you: For professionals focused on infectious diseases and outbreak surveillance, this case highlights a persistent challenge in pandemic preparedness: the late diagnosis of longstanding infections like HIV. It reinforces the need for robust screening protocols and a high index of suspicion for viral infections even in atypical presentations, which is crucial for effective infection control and preventing severe outcomes. Understanding these diagnostic pitfalls is essential for refining public health strategies aimed at early detection and interrupting transmission dynamics.
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