Paralysie faciale périphérique révélatrice d’une infection par le VIH chez le noir africain

Introduction: Peripheral facial paralysis (PFP), a frequent complication during infection with thehuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is a major cause of morbidity of these patients. The aim of thisstudy was to show the place of unilateral PFP in the discovery of HIV infection in tropics area.Material and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collectionduring 12-month, in the ENT departments of the Ignace Deen and Neurology Hospital of the Sino-Guinean Friendship Hospital (CHU de Conakry). Results: Of the 2517 patients received during thestudy period, 64 had a PFP, (prevalence of 2.54%). HIV serology was performed by 56 patients, 24 ofwhom had a positive serological reaction, a prevalence of 42.86%. Youngest adult population was themost exposed, with an average age of 34.5 years. There were 9 men and 15 women, a sex ratio of 0.6.The consultation period was, in 70.83% of cases, between the 1st and 3rd week. The unilateral facialasymmetry and persistent opening of the palpebral fissure were the main clinical signs. A total of 75%of our patients were infected with HIV1. CD4 levels ranged from 175 to 400 / mm3. All our patientshad received a PFP and HIV treatment. The evolution was marked by the total recovery and withoutsequelae of PFP in 62,5% of cases. Conclusion: The occurrence of isolated PFP in apparently healthyadults should suggest seroconversion to HIV. The prognosis of these PFPs is often good despite thedelay diagnosis. Key words: Peripheral facial paralysis; HIV; Conakry.