Recurrent cerebral infarcts as the first manifestation of infection with the HIV virus.

There is an increased risk of stroke in patients with HIV infection. One of the mechanisms is production of anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies, induced by the virus. Many studies have documented a high incidence of aCL antibodies in patients with HIV infection and the increased risk of stroke, although there is no such correlation with other viruses that also stimulate production of aCL antibodies.