Acute Painful Sensory Neuropathy Diagnosed as Nonsystemic Vasculitic Neuropathy

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 22(5); 2004 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2004;22(5): 555-559.

비전신성 혈관염성 말초신경병으로 진단된 급성 통증성 감각신경병증

김형진, 윤원태 배종석* 김민기* 서연림† 김병준

성균관대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실, 병리과학교실†, 지방공사 강남병원 신경과*

Acute Painful Sensory Neuropathy Diagnosed as Nonsystemic Vasculitic Neuropathy

Hyung-Jin Kim

Departments of Neurology, Pathology†, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul; Department of Neurology, Gangnam General Hospital, Public Corporation*, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy (NSVN) is a localized vasculitis confined to the peripheral nerves. Absence of systemic manifestations frequently leads to mis- or under diagnosis without the aid of pathologic study. NSVN may present typically with multiple mononeuropathies or less commonly with a sensorimotor polyneuropathy. We report two cases of NSVN presenting with acute severe painful neuropathy. Sural nerve pathology showed unequivocal vasculitis. High dose corticosteroid therapy was effective in controlling the pain. NSVN should be considered as a treatable cause of acute painful neuropathy.Key Words: Vasculitis, Neuropathy, Pain