Vasculitic neuropathies

Abstract

The classification of vasculitis and the clinical features of vasculitic neuropathy are reviewed. Vasculitic neuropathy usually presents with painful mononeuropathies or an asymmetric polyneuropathy of acute or subacute onset. Neurologists should categorize vasculitic neuropathy in terms of clinical features (eg, systemic or non systemic) and in terms of histopathology (eg, nerve large arteriole vasculitis or nerve microvasculitis). Systemic vasculitis should be classified further into one of the primary and secondary forms. Steroids and cytotoxic agents have been the mainstay of therapy for most forms of vasculitic neuropathy. Dosing, potential side effects, and management recommendations of conventional therapies are provided.