Peripheral neuropathy in patients with polyarteritis nodosa clinical and electrophysiological study

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of peripheral neuropathy in patients with systemic polyarteritis nodosa. Thirteen patients with peripheral neuropathy and evidence of systemic vasculitis of polyarteritis nodosa type were included in this study. Eight patients presented with mononeuropathy multiplex. Three patients were presented with asymmetrical sensorimotor neuropathy. The remaining two patients presented with distal symmetrical polyneuropathy. Ulnar peroneal and sural nerves are the most common nerves affected in polyarteritis nodosa. The findings showed acute or subacute neuropathy. EMG and nerve conduction studies showed an evidence of axonal neuropathy with a significant reduction of the motor nerve action potential amplitudes