Respiratory failure and death from HIV-associated myopathy

As increasing numbers of patients with HIV infection enter the medical system, the neuromuscular problems caused by this retrovirus are better defined. Recent attention has focused on the development of myopathy and/or polyneuropathy in patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. We report a patient whose initial presentation was that of progressive weakness. A diffuse HIV-induced myopathy was diagnosed that eventually resulted in ventilatory failure and death. The limited medical literature on this subject is summarized for practitioners who may encounter AIDS patients with muscle weakness.