Rheumatological mimickers of HIV infection. Part 1: involvement of the musculoskeletal system

This first part of the lecture summarizes current data obtained from studies of cohorts of HIV-infected patients presenting with clinical signs of musculoskeletal and skin involvement. The rheumatologic manifestations of HIV infection are diverse and, as shown in several studies conducted both before and after the widespread introduction of antiretroviral therapy, occur with varying frequency. This variability can complicate familiarity with the issue, particularly for early-career clinicians. According to the literature, the most observed conditions in the context of HIV infection include rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, HIV-associated arthritis and arthralgias, spondyloarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. The present article also discusses the occurrence of osteoporosis and osteonecrosis in these patients. Furthermore, it reviews the classification of muscle involvement in HIV infection, with a focus on cases of rhabdomyolysis of various origins.