Inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection

J Neurol. 1988 Jul;235(6):359-61. doi: 10.1007/BF00314233.

Abstract

Five patients infected with immunodeficiency virus who were suffering from chronic polyradiculoneuropathy were investigated during evolution of the disease. Four of them were immunodeficient. The prominent neurological feature was distal and symmetrical weakness of the legs. After 5 months only one patient had improved. All patients had an increased protein level in the cerebrospinal fluid and pleocytosis. Electrodiagnostic studies and sural nerve biopsies indicated demyelination. Sural nerve viral cultures, including human immunodeficiency virus, were negative. The presence of circulating anti-peripheral nerve antibodies and of immunoglobulin deposits in nerve biopsy specimens was investigated by immunofluorescence techniques but failed to demonstrate any immunoreactivity.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Adult
  • Demyelinating Diseases / etiology*
  • Demyelinating Diseases / pathology
  • Demyelinating Diseases / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Neurons / pathology
  • Motor Neurons / physiology
  • Muscles / innervation
  • Muscles / physiopathology
  • Neural Conduction
  • Neurons, Afferent / pathology
  • Neurons, Afferent / physiology
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy / etiology*
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy / pathology
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy / physiopathology
  • Risk Factors