Lower motor neuron dysfunction associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection
P. P. Huang, R. Chin, S. Song and S. Lasoff
Department of Neurology, Bellevue Hospital, University Medical Center, New York, NY.
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.
