title: Osteonecrosis and human immunodeficiency virus infection.
abstract: We reviewed the clinical records of 6 patients with osteonecrosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We conducted a literature search for the putative mechanism by which this association may occur. None of these 6 patients had other known conditions associated with a predisposition to osteonecrosis. Avascular necrosis (AVN) frequently occurred in multiple sites and early in the course of HIV infection. We suggest that HIV infection is a systemic disorder that may predispose to osteonecrosis of bone. The most likely mechanism involves thrombosis, which may be mediated by anticardiolipin antibodies and/or acquired deficiency of protein S. In patients with idiopathic osteonecrosis that involves multiple sites we recommend careful evaluation for HIV risk factors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York City, NY 10003, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rademaker
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Dobro
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Solomon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000150:complications*