Lipodystrophy in an HIV-infected Patient

Highly active antiretroviral therapy is effective at reducing morbidity and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients presenting with symptoms of disease progression. A complex metabolic syndrome has been described in patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy. This includes atrophy and redistribution of subcutaneous adipose tissue representing a kind of acquired lipodystrophy (LDHIV, lipodystrophy in HIV-infected patients). LDHIV can be associated with metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. Several HIV protease inhibitors can inhibit preadipocyte differentiation or can promote apoptosis of adipocytes. We describe the case of a patient with typical LDHIV and its associated metabolic alterations.