Polymyositis associated with AIDS retrovirus
M. C. Dalakas, G. H. Pezeshkpour, M. Gravell and J. L. Sever
Two homosexual men were initially seen with polymyositis as the only
manifestation of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) retrovirus
infection. They developed AIDS-related complex a few weeks later and
typical AIDS two to six months after onset of muscle weakness. By use of
anti-human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III antiserum and monoclonal
antibodies to lymphocyte subsets in an immunofluorescence technique, viral
antigens were found in the OKT4-positive lymphoid cells surrounding muscle
fibers and invading the endomysia septa. We concluded that an initial
infection with the AIDS retrovirus can be associated with polymyositis,
which may be the first clinical manifestation of an impending AIDS-related
complex or AIDS.
