Neurological features of polyarteritis nodosa

Abstract

A series of 20 cases of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is presented. Clinical features of 2 cases are described in more detail to illustrate the most common neurological complications. PAN is an uncommon disease but one which usually presents with some form of neurological disturbance, often a mononeuritis multiplex or a symmetrical polyneuropathy. Diagnosis requires a high degree of clinical suspicion as serological tests are at best non-specific, and absolute biopsy proof often requires examination of multiple sites. Early diagnosis is important, as treatment with corticosteriods usually induces symptomatic relief and provides a better chance of long term survival. If an acute remission is obtained the patient not only should have a good quality of life but in a proportion of cases, where the remission is prolonged, steroid therapy may be ceased.