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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Intracranial Aneurysm | Case report

Neurological manifestations of polyarteritis nodosa: a tour of the neuroaxis by case series

Authors: Cathra Halabi, Erika K. Williams, Ramin A. Morshed, Mauro Caffarelli, Christine Anastasiou, Tarik Tihan, Daniel Cooke, Adib A. Abla, Christopher F. Dowd, Vinil Shah, Sharon Chung, Megan B. Richie

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Heterogenous central nervous system (CNS) neurologic manifestations of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) are underrecognized. We review three cases of patients with PAN that illustrate a range of nervous system pathology, including the classical mononeuritis multiplex as well as uncommon brain and spinal cord vascular manifestations.

Case presentation

Case 1 presented with mononeuritis multiplex and characteristic skin findings. Case 2 presented with thunderclap headache and myelopathy due to spinal artery aneurysm rupture. Both patients experienced disease remission upon treatment. Case 3 presented with headache and bulbar symptoms due to partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms, followed by systemic manifestations related to visceral aneurysms. She demonstrated clinical improvement with treatment, was lost to follow-up, then clinically deteriorated and entered hospice care.

Conclusions

Although the peripheral manifestations of PAN are well-known, PAN association with CNS neurovascular disease is relatively underappreciated. Clinician awareness of the spectrum of neurologic disease is required to reduce diagnostic delay and promote prompt diagnosis and treatment with immunosuppressants.

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Title: Neurological manifestations of polyarteritis nodosa: a tour of the neuroaxis by case series
Authors: Cathra Halabi
Erika K. Williams
Ramin A. Morshed
Mauro Caffarelli
Christine Anastasiou
Tarik Tihan
Daniel Cooke
Adib A. Abla
Christopher F. Dowd
Vinil Shah
Sharon Chung
Megan B. Richie
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Intracranial Aneurysm
Aneurysm
Aneurysm
Published in: BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-021-02228-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Neurological manifestations of polyarteritis nodosa: a tour of the neuroaxis by case series

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

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