Neurological features of polyarteritis nodosa.
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.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D009886:Ophthalmoplegia / Q000209:etiology; D009896:Optic Atrophy / Q000209:etiology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D010488:Polyarteritis Nodosa / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D013256:Steroids