[Rheumatic manifestations in HIV infection]

The two main rheumatic manifestations of infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are arthropathies and autoimmune diseases. The pathogenesis of the rheumatic manifestations is currently undefined. Among the different mechanisms implicated, the severe immunosuppression and immunodysregulation, as well as recurrent infections are possible. A direct infection by HIV is another mechanism. The course of some rheumatic diseases may be altered by HIV-infection. Remission of rheumatoid arthritis during the course of HIV-infection is anecdotally reported in the literature, whereas patients with Reiter's syndrome seem to have a severe clinical course.