The effects of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are a matter of debate as there is no agreement on the influence of HIV-1 related immunodeficiency on this disease. We describe a patient with RA with symmetric joint erosions and positive rheumatoid factor (RF) who developed classic acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) followed by left hemiplegia. RA improved with resolution of bony erosions and disappearance of RF, and reached complete clinical remission only in the paralytic limbs. Our observation suggests that, although essential, cell mediated immune response is not the sole mechanism involved in RA pathogenesis. Other factors such as the nervous system may play an important role.