RESUMO
Bacillary angiomatosis is an infectious disease characterized by proliferation of small blood vessels in the skin and visceral organs of immunodeficient patients, mainly those infected with the human immunodeficiency v¡rus. ln this report, a 41-year-old man with seropositivity for HIV-1 presented with a five-months history of pain, edema, and movement restriction of his left wrist, elbow, knee, and ankle. In addition, he had nodular and ulcerated bleeding lesions in his right arm and leg, and a granulomatous nasal lesion. He had lost 8 kg in this five months period. He had sought an orthopedic medical center where long bone roentgenograms revealed diffuse lytic lesions, and bone scan showed uptake in left wrist, knee, and ankle. These findings were consistent with either neoplasm or osteomyelitis. During investigation, seropositivity for HIV-1 was detected. The patient was then referred to the Em¡lio Ribas lnfectious Diseases lnstitute [Instituto de Infectologia Em¡lio Ribas]. Histologic examination of bone and skin biopsy showed changes which are typical in bacillary angiomatosis cases. Electron microscopy findings were compatible with Bartonella species. Immunohistochemistry identified the bacteria as Bartonella quintana. Therapy with 2 g erythromycin per day was initiated. Cutaneous and osseous lesions were gradually resolved over the two ensuing months
