Lower motor neuron dysfunction associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

OBJECTIVE

The association of human immunodeficiency virus with a clinical picture of motor neuron disease is uncommon, with three cases reported to date. This case represents an additional case of a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient with apparent motor neuron disease.

DESIGN

Single patient case report.

SETTING

Large urban public hospital.

PATIENT: A 45-year-old human immunodeficiency virus-positive Hispanic man who presented with muscle wasting, fasciculations, areflexia, cranial nerve deficits, and weakness progressing to a complete quadriplegia.

RESULTS

Electrophysiologic data showed evidence of diffuse denervation with normal sensory and motor nerve conductions and no evidence of demyelination. Electromyography showed diffuse sharp waves and fibrillation.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates a progressive motor neuron dysfunction in a patient positive for the human immunodeficiency virus and provides additional evidence that infection with the human immunodeficiency virus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of apparent motor neuron disease.