Vasculitic neuropathy

Abstract

Patients with vasculitic neuropathy may present with either mononeuritis multiplex, or a symmetrical or asymmetrical sensorimotor neuropathy. In those patients whose neuropathy is part of a systemic vasculitis the neuropathy can be expected to improve leaving only mild or moderate functional disability. Nevertheless, the long-term outlook for such patients is poor with a 5-year survival of around 50% with most excess deaths being due to vascular disease. The prognosis in non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy is almost certainly substantially better than this. Treatment of vasculitic neuropathy should be based on diagnosis by tissue biopsy, usually of nerve, and early use of aggressive immunosuppression.