Unusual chronic maculopapular rash associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection

A 21-year-old black man with sickle cell disease who has received blood transfusions for 11 years because of recurrent stroke has had a decline in numbers of circulating lymphocytes and T4 cells over the past four years. Two and a half years ago persistent generalized lymphadenopathy developed, associated with a positive test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody. For the past seven months he has had a pruritic maculopapular rash, primarily on the extensor surfaces of the extremities. Multiple skin biopsies revealed only nonspecific perivascular infiltrates of mononuclear cells. This rash appears to be an unusual manifestation of HIV infection, and may be an indicator of impending AIDS.