Destructive spondyloarthropathy in a haemodialysis patient with HIV infection: case report and literature review

This case describes the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of a 59-year-old man with medical history of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C on haemodialysis for end stage renal disease who presented with debilitating neck pain radiating down to the left arm with associated weakness of left upper and lower extremities. He had received a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics for similar complaints. His initial presentation, coupled with the history of recent antibiotics, triggered a non-infectious work-up and the patient was diagnosed with destructive spondyloarthropathy, a rare but under-diagnosed complication of patients on long-term haemodialysis. This was confirmed on imaging studies. The patient refused surgical intervention, and was treated conservatively. With improved survival of patients with HIV infection, other significant co-morbidities like end stage renal disease and their potential complications in these patients have become an increasing focus of attention. Destructive spondyloarthropathy is a severely debilitating condition and can be potentially fatal. The aetiopathogenesis, management and ethical and legal implications of HIV patients with destructive spondyloarthropathy secondary to long-term haemodialysis are discussed.