Motor Neuron Disease and Acquired Axonal Neuropathy Association in HIV Infection: Case Report and Update

Title:Motor Neuron Disease and Acquired Axonal Neuropathy Association in HIV Infection: Case Report and Update

Volume: 10 Issue: 8

Author(s): Peter Salem, Oscar Arias-Carrion, Sara L.S. de Menezes, Marcia W. Cruz, Fabio H. de Gobbi Porto, Eduardo Davidovich, Cristiane Nascimento, Marco A.A. Leite, Flavio Sztajnbok, Marco Orsini, Antonio E. Nardi, Sergio Machado, Acary B. Oliveira, Antonio M. da Silva Catharino, Carlos H.M. Reis, Marzia P. Sohler, Julio G. Silva and Marcos R.G. de Freitas

Affiliation:

Keywords: Motor neuron disease, HIV infection, acquired neuropathies, HAART, MND, axonal, patients, nerves, disorders, antiretroviral therapy

Abstract: Background: A possible viral etiology has been documented in the genesis of motor neuron disorders and acquired peripheral neuropathies, mainly due to the vulnerability of peripheral nerves and the anterior horn to certain viruses. In recent years, several reports show association of HIV infection with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – Syndrome, Motor Neuron Diseases and peripheral neuropathies.

Objective: To report a case of an association between Motor Neuron Disease and Acquired Axonal neuropathy in HIV infection, and describe the findings of neurological examination, cerebrospinal fluid, neuroimaging and electrophysiology.

Methods: The patient underwent neurological examination. General medical examinations were performed, including, specific neuromuscular tests, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, muscle biopsy and imaging studies.

Results and Discussion: The initial clinical presentation of our case was marked by cramps and fasciculations with posterior distal paresis and atrophy in the left arm. We found electromyography tracings with deficits in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Dysphagia and release of primitive reflexes were also identified. At the same time, the patient was informed to be HIV positive with high viral load. He received antiretroviral therapy, with load control but with no clinical remission.

Conclusion: Motor Neuron disorders and peripheral neuropathy may occur in association with HIV infection. However, a causal relationship remains uncertain. It is noteworthy that the antiretroviral regimen may be implicated in some cases.

Cite this article as:

Salem Peter, Arias-Carrion Oscar, L.S. de Menezes Sara, W. Cruz Marcia, H. de Gobbi Porto Fabio, Davidovich Eduardo, Nascimento Cristiane, A.A. Leite Marco, Sztajnbok Flavio, Orsini Marco, E. Nardi Antonio, Machado Sergio, B. Oliveira Acary, M. da Silva Catharino Antonio, H.M. Reis Carlos, P. Sohler Marzia, G. Silva Julio and R.G. de Freitas Marcos, Motor Neuron Disease and Acquired Axonal Neuropathy Association in HIV Infection: Case Report and Update, Current HIV Research 2012; 10 (8) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157016212803901329