# Primary HIV Infection Presenting As Inflammatory Polyradiculopathy Mimicking Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A woman with HIV was initially thought to have GBS, showing how HIV can mimic other neurological conditions and the importance of testing.

## Contribution

Highlights the rare presentation of HIV as inflammatory polyradiculopathy and the need for routine HIV testing in unexplained cases.

## Key findings

- HIV can present as inflammatory polyradiculopathy without typical risk factors.
- Routine HIV testing is crucial in unexplained neuromuscular cases.
- Diagnostic challenges exist when HIV mimics Guillain-Barré syndrome.

## Abstract

Primary HIV infection rarely presents with acute neuromuscular weakness. In patients with polyradiculopathy, HIV infection should be considered even in the absence of recognized risk factors. We report a 36-year-old woman with rapidly progressive paraparesis who was initially suspected to have Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Subsequent investigations confirmed an HIV-associated inflammatory polyradiculopathy. This case highlights diagnostic challenges and emphasizes the need for routine HIV testing in unexplained radiculopathies.