# A Case of Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor in an HIV-Positive Adult: Diagnostic Lessons for Clinicians

**Authors:** Mariana Lobo, Susana Viana, Andreia Sá Lima, Isabel Monteiro, Carolina M Cerqueira, Frederico Duarte, Luís M Ribeiro, Sara Camões

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.101233 · Cureus · 2026-01-10

## TL;DR

A rare brain tumor was diagnosed in an HIV-positive adult, emphasizing the need for expanded differential diagnosis and use of prior imaging in similar cases.

## Contribution

Presents a rare case of DNET in an HIV-positive adult, expanding diagnostic considerations for clinicians.

## Key findings

- A 57-year-old HIV-positive man was diagnosed with DNET after excluding infectious and malignant causes.
- Prior imaging and multidisciplinary input were crucial in confirming the diagnosis.
- The patient remained seizure-free and showed radiological stability over two years.

## Abstract

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) is a benign central nervous system neoplasm, usually diagnosed in pediatric patients with epilepsy. We describe a case of a 57-year-old man presenting with a first episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizure and subacute cognitive decline, in whom a multicystic right temporal lobe lesion was detected. Further workup led to a new diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Comprehensive investigations excluded infectious and malignant etiologies. Review of prior imaging, combined with multidisciplinary input, led to a diagnosis of DNET. Two-year follow-up confirmed radiological stability, and the patient remained seizure-free under antiepileptic treatment. This case highlights the importance of expanding the differential diagnosis of cerebral lesions in HIV-positive adults and utilizing prior imaging to guide clinical decision-making.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** epilepsy (MONDO:0005027), dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (MONDO:0005505)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** epilepsy (MESH:D004827), DNET (MESH:D018302), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (MESH:D015658), seizure (MESH:D012640), right temporal lobe lesion (MESH:D004833), cognitive decline (MESH:D003072), benign central nervous system neoplasm (MESH:D016543), cerebral lesions (MESH:D002539)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12885042/full.md

## References

10 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12885042/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12885042