HIV INFECTION-ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATORY MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

A variety of distinct rheumatic syndromes has been recognized in HIV-i nfected individuals. These include Reiter's syndrome, psoriatic arthri tis, undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy myositis, vasculitis, sicca syndrome, and several other less specific entities. In most patients, a severe immunosuppressive state exists at the time of the rheumatic p resentation, but in others there could be the presenting manifestation s of HN infection. Therefore, it is important to in investigate for th e presence of known risk factors in individuals presenting with these types of rheumatic manifestations.