Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy: a clinicopathological study of 22 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The involvement of the peripheral nervous system in patients with systemic vasculitis has been reported, but nonsystemic peripheral nervous system vasculitis is not so well known. We investigated the clinical, electrophysiological, and pathological features of nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy (NSVN) in order to establish the clinical and histological manifestations and to promote the earlier diagnosis of the syndrome.

METHODS: Biopsies were selected from over 700 sural nerve biopsies performed at the Section of Neuropathology, Neurological Clinic of Athens University Hospital. The diagnosis of vasculitis was based on established clinicopathological criteria. Other causes of peripheral neuropathy were excluded. Complete laboratory, clinical, electrophysiological, and pathological studies were performed in all cases.

RESULTS: Nerve biopsies of 22 patients were diagnosed as NSVN. The pathological features were vasculitis and predominant axonal degeneration with a varying pattern of myelinated fiber loss. The vasculitic changes were found mainly in small epineural blood vessels. Mononeuritis multiplex and distal symmetrical sensorimotor neuropathy were equally frequent.

CONCLUSION: NSVN should be suspected in a case of unexplained polyneuropathy without evidence of systemic involvement. Clinical and neurophysiological studies are essential for the detection of nerve involvement, but the specific diagnosis of NSVN may be missed unless a biopsy is performed.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app