Vasculitis in HIV infection

Within the expanding spectrum of rheumatic syndromes associated with HIV infection, vasculitis is an infrequent but painful and potentially disabling condition. We describe a case of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)-like systemic necrotizing vasculitis in an HIV-infected individual who presented with digital ischemia. The pathogenesis of PAN in HIV-infected patients is not well understood, and whether HIV or other agents are directly involved in the vascular injury remains to be established. Angiography and biopsy may confirm the diagnosis. Systemic steroids may effectively control the manifestations of this clinical syndrome.