AIDS and myopathy: report of a case and review of the literature

• Published in: Arquivos de neuro-psiquiatria Vol. 49; no. 3; p. 352
• Main Authors: Rodrigues, K M, Puccioni-Sohler, M, Castineiras, T M, Pereira, M T, Papi, J A, Schechter, M, Avila, C, Duarte, F, Novis, S A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Brazil 01-09-1991
• Subjects: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - complications; Adult; Humans; Male; Methotrexate - administration & dosage; Methotrexate - therapeutic use; Muscles - enzymology; Muscles - pathology; Muscular Diseases - complications; Muscular Diseases - drug therapy; South America; Americas; Candidiasis; Bacterial And Fungal Diseases; Viral Diseases; Biology; Infections; Enzymes And Enzyme Inhibitors; Hiv Infections; Research Methodology; Enzymatic Effects; Diseases; Latin America; Studies; Neurologic Effects; Treatment; Vascular Diseases; Case Studies; Brazil; Developing Countries; Physiology
• ISSN: 0004-282X

Report of an unusual case of myopathy in an HIV infected patient, responsive only to the immunosuppressor drug methotrexate. The patient was a 39 year old homosexual male with no past history of HIV-related manifestations. One month prior to admission he noticed that his left thigh was swollen and painful. Two weeks later both arms became enlarged and tender. A few days before admission he noticed intermittent fever and progressive dyspnea. Upon admission, oral thrush, dyspnea and global enlargement of both arms was noted. There was no articular involvement. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Serology for HIV was positive. Tests for antinuclear antibodies were negative. Serum CPK level was 1019 IU. Capillaroscopy was compatible with vasculitis. Muscle biopsy revealed multifocal myonecrosis. PCP was successfully treated with standard doses of TMP/SMZ. Although indomethacin, prednisone and dexamethasone were administered in succession, there was relentless progression of myopathy and persistence of fever. Six days after administration of methotrexate, the patient defervesced, volume of arms and legs diminished. CPK levels returned to normal after a second course of methotrexate. Upon reduction of the dose thigh enlargement recrudesced. The patient remained asymptomatic on weekly doses of methotrexate. He died five months later of acute respiratory failure.