Brachial plexus neuritis in the context of acute HIV seroconversion illness: a case report

We report an unusual case of bilateral brachial plexus neuritis occurring during the seroconversion stage of an HIV infection in a 45-year-old man. Brachial plexus neuritis is thought to be an immune mediated inflammatory reaction resulting in acute onset of shoulder pain followed by muscle weakness and wasting. There is often a history of viral illness, diagnosis is clinical, and treatment is supportive. Many sufferers are left with residual defects. Clinicians should consider the possibility of HIV infection when managing a patient with brachial plexus neuritis.