Rapid diagnosis of cytomegalovirus polyradiculitis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) polyradiculitis is a potentially treatable disorder in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) 11-41, Response to therapy is variable, but it appears clear that patients treated earlier in their course are more likely to have a favorable response to antiviral therapy 12-41. Although the clinical presentation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) formula may suggest the correct diagnosis. most authors have depended on the identification of CMV in culture of CSF, a process that may take several weeks. In a patient with a clinical syndrome suggestive of CMV polyradiculitis, a specific diagnosis was made on a cytopatho-logical examination of a single CSF specimen, allowing for antiviral therapy to be given early in this patient’s course. A 46-year-old human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- positive