Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy as first manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus infection

We studied three patients who were admitted to the hospital because of progressive weakness without other systemic signs or symptoms. All three cases were young males who had been intravenous drug user for many years. Electrophysiologic study showed prolonged distal latencies and marked slowing of motor and sensory conduction velocities, consistent with primary demyelination. Nerve biopsy also showed signs of demyelination. Antibodies against HIV in CSF and blood were detected during the diagnostic evaluation. Clinical and electrophysiological studies improved in two cases after prednisone administration. Patients with predominant motor demyelinating neuropathies and risk factors should be screen for HIV infection.