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Acute meningoradiculitis concomitant with seroconversion to human immunodeficiency virus type 1
1Hôpital de l'Hôtel-Dieu, Service de Médecine Interne, Lyon, France.
Abstract:
We report a case of acute regressive meningoradiculitis concomitant with HIV1 primoinfection. The clinical symptoms were mild and disappeared spontaneously. Electromyographic studies confirmed the regressive demyelinating-type process. The biological diagnosis of HIV1 infection was demonstrated by viral antigen detection, by the presence of the integrated proviral DNA after gene amplification by a polymerase chain reaction, and in particular, by the steady progression in the appearance of different HIV1-specific antibodies. This was shown using three different Western blot kits whose performances were compared.
Insights
This study details a mild case of acute regressive meningoradiculitis occurring with initial Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Symptoms resolved spontaneously, confirmed by electrodiagnostic tests showing a demyelinating process.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Meningoradiculitis can present with diverse neurological symptoms.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection can manifest with various neurological complications.
- The co-occurrence of meningoradiculitis and primary HIV-1 infection is uncommon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of acute regressive meningoradiculitis associated with primary HIV-1 infection.
- To describe the clinical, electrophysiological, and virological findings in this specific case.
- To highlight the diagnostic methods for HIV-1 infection in the context of neurological symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case presentation and neurological examination.
- Electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve and muscle function.
- Biological assays including viral antigen detection, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for proviral DNA, and Western blot for HIV-1 antibodies.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with mild meningoradiculitis symptoms that resolved spontaneously.
- Electromyography indicated a regressive demyelinating process.
- HIV-1 infection was confirmed through viral antigen, proviral DNA (PCR), and a progressive antibody response detected by three Western blot kits.
Conclusions:
- Acute regressive meningoradiculitis can be a manifestation of primary HIV-1 infection.
- Early diagnosis of HIV-1 is crucial, even with mild or atypical neurological presentations.
- A combination of diagnostic tools, including electrophysiology and sensitive virological assays, is essential for accurate diagnosis.