Arthropathy is associated with HIV. 30 % of patients have some rheumatic symptoms and 15 % have inflammatory arthrites. There is increased incidence of Reiters syndrome and psoriasis in HIV. The exact mechanism of arthropathy is not yet known, but is believed to be immune related, due to direct effect of viral antigen and DNA on joints. The changes of arthropathy are seen in the earlier stages of HIV itself with normal CD4 , but the incidence increases at lower CD4 levels .Psoriasis produces swelling of soft tissue, peritendonitis, dactylitis, synovitis, enthesitis , sacroilitis and spondylitis.  X rays show swelling of digits and erosions. Low signal in ultrasound, reticular high density in CT and high signal in T2 are other features. Reiters syndrome produces inflammation of the enthesis, sacroiliac joints and oligoarticular symmetrical erosions. HIV virus can cause direct arthropathy, which like rheumatoid arthritis is symmetrical, polyarticular or oligoarticular with erotions.

X ray of acromioclavicular joint in a HIV patient- shows erosions on either side of the acromioclavicular joint.