[Neuropathy caused by necrotizing vasculitis in HIV-1 infection]

A 33 year-old male homosexual infected with human immunodeficiency virus type I developed an asymmetrical and painful neuropathy in the lower limbs. Neuro-muscular biopsy showed a necrotizing vasculitis. There were no clinical features indicative of systemic vasculitis. Prednisone therapy dramatically improved the neuropathy, without adverse effects. Although rare, necrotizing arteritis must be considered in HIV-1 patients with neuropathy, especially in case of mononeuropathy multiplex and when immunodepression is mild or absent, since a successful corticosteroid therapy can be prescribed.