Polyarteritis Nodosa Neurologic Manifestations

Central Nervous System Imaging in Rheumatic Diseases

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is seen across a variety of rheumatic diseases. Common CNS manifestations include cerebrovascular events (such as ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis), seizures, headaches, demyelinating lesions (such as optic neuritis, myelitis, parenchymal lesions), meningeal disease (leptomeningeal and pachymeningeal involvement, meningitis), and others. While most patients have other systemic symptoms of their rheumatic disease at the time of developing neurologic complications, some may present with CNS disease as the first symptom of their rheumatic disease. This review discusses rheumatic diseases with CNS manifestations and provides neuroimaging findings observed among affected individuals.

Polyarteritis nodosa complicated by renal aneurysm and intestinal perforation: A case report

RATIONALE

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a necrotizing vasculitis that affects small- and medium-sized arteries, presenting with diverse clinical manifestations. It can impact tissues and organs throughout the body and may be life-threatening in severe cases. Common causes of death include cardiac, renal, and gastrointestinal complications or aneurysm rupture. While separate reports of renal aneurysm and intestinal perforation exist, the coexistence of these conditions is rarely documented. This study reports a severe case of PAN complicated by both renal aneurysm and intestinal perforation, aiming to deepen the understanding of this disease, aid in clinical diagnosis and treatment, and improve patient prognosis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The patient presented to the hospital with dorsal foot pain and abdominal pain persisting for more than 4 months, along with pain and discomfort in both lower extremities for over 1 month.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was diagnosed with PAN, renal aneurysm, intestinal perforation, and grade 3 hypertension (high risk).

OUTCOMES

After treatment, the patient showed normal temperature and blood pressure, relief from abdominal pain, and disappearance of myalgia and numbness in the lower limbs. Additionally, the renal aneurysm shrank significantly, the intestinal perforation healed, the ileostomy was reduced, and the patient's condition stabilized.

LESSONS

The clinical symptoms of PAN mostly lack specificity, and should be distinguished from microscopic polyangiitis and simulated vasculitis. For patients with intestinal perforation similar to this case, tocilizumab treatment may be effective, but further research is needed to confirm it.

Neuro-ophthalmic challenges and multi-morbidity in vasculitis among the older adults

INTRODUCTION

Vasculitides are a heterogeneous group of disorders producing inflammation of blood vessels (e.g. arteries or veins). All major vasculitides potentially have ophthalmological symptoms and signs including visual loss. Co-morbidity, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and geriatric syndromes all play important roles in patient outcomes for these rheumatic conditions in the elderly. This monograph reviews the NCBI PubMed database (Feb 2023) literature on the neuro-ophthalmic and geriatric considerations in vasculitis.

AREAS COVERED

Cogan Syndrome, Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Giant Cell Arteritis, Polyarteritis Nodosa, Takayasu Arteritis, Vasculitis epidemiology, and neuro-ophthalmological symptoms.

EXPERT OPINION

Geriatric patient care for vasculitis with neuro-ophthalmological manifestations can be complicated by the interplay of multiple co-morbidities, polypharmacy, and specific geriatric syndromes. The valuation and treatment of vasculitis and the complications associated with the disease can negatively impact patient care. Advances in noninvasive imaging and updates in diagnostic criteria have enabled increased identification of patients at earlier stages with less severe disease burden. Novel therapeutic agents can be glucocorticoid sparing and might reduce the adverse effects of chronic steroid use. Holistic care models like the 5 M geriatric care model (mind, mobility, medications, multicomplexity, and matters most) allow patients' needs to be in the forefront with biopsychosocial aspects of a patient being addressed.

Polyarteritis Nodosa: Old Disease, New Etiologies

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), also known as panarteritis nodosa, represents a form of necrotizing vasculitis that predominantly affects medium-sized vessels, although it is not restricted to them and can also involve smaller vessels. The clinical presentation is heterogeneous and characterized by a significant number of patients exhibiting general symptoms, including asthenia, fever, and unintended weight loss. Although PAN can involve virtually any organ, it preferentially affects the skin, nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract. Orchitis is a rare but specific manifestation of PAN. The absence of granulomas, glomerulonephritis, and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies serves to distinguish PAN from other types of vasculitis. Major complications consist of hemorrhagic and thrombotic events occurring in mesenteric, cardiac, cerebral, and renal systems. Historically, PAN was frequently linked to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, but this association has dramatically changed in recent years due to declining HBV prevalence. Current epidemiological research often identifies a connection between PAN and genetic syndromes as well as neoplasia. This article provides a comprehensive review of PAN, specifically focusing on the progression of its clinical manifestations over time.

Neurological Manifestations of Connective Tissue Disorders

Connective tissue disorders (CTD) are a group of disorders affecting the connective tissues. Usually the musculoskeletal and the vascular system is impacted. Along with these systems, the nervous system is also involved in CTD, which leads to various neurological manifestations. The pathophysiology of neurological complications of CTD is caused by various factors and is complicated. Disturbed immune complexes, chronic inflammation, and autoimmunity in which the body attacks its cells are considered to be responsible for the neurological complications of CTD. Additionally, the vascular symptoms that lead to decreased blood flow to the brain are also responsible for the neurological manifestations of CTD in diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In SLE, vessel wall integrity is compromised, which may lead to decreased blood flow leading to neurological complications. CTD can manifest a variety of neurological complications. These neurological complications can be classified into symptoms affecting the peripheral nervous system, central nervous system, and the autonomic nervous system. Some of the common neurological complications of CTD are headaches, seizures, ataxia, neuropathies leading to cranial nerve palsies, myelopathies, tremors, encephalitis, and cerebral infarction. Cranial nerve palsies can disturb sensations, vision, hearing, and mastication. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are also commonly observed in CTD. Cognitive dysfunction can be caused due to neuropsychiatric problems. Some of the cognitive dysfunctions are lack of concentration, memory loss, confusion, and coma. In this review, we will address various neurological manifestations of CTD.

A Successful Infliximab Treatment of a Pediatric Case of Severe Polyarteritis Nodosa With a Cerebral Infarction and a Decreased Adenosine Deaminase 2 Activity

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis common in males over 50 years of age that causes various organ symptoms. In recent years, it has become important to distinguish deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) from childhood-onset PAN. A 13-year-old girl was urgently transferred to our hospital with sudden weakness in her right upper and lower limbs. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 8. Plain MRI of the brain indicated high-signal areas in the right caudate nucleus, internal capsule, and left basal ganglia when applying T2-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI); and low signals in the same regions in an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. It demonstrated inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system or multiple cerebral infarctions attributable to vasculitis, and it is difficult to differentiate between them based on image findings alone, and cannot be determined without following the clinical course. Hence, we treated with steroid therapy, which is effective for both conditions. Although the paralysis was alleviated, an MRI of the brain reperformed on day 7 revealed expansion of the lesion with contrast enhancement in the feeding area of the left lateral striatal artery, a high signal in DWI, and a low signal in an ADC map. Based on the clinical and radiological findings, we diagnosed a cerebral infarction attributable to vasculitis. Contrast computed tomography (CT) of her chest and abdominal CT angiography revealed that she met the diagnostic criteria for PAN, and adenosine deaminase 2 (AD2) activity level was low. The patient was treated with steroids combined with azathioprine and cyclophosphamide but three weeks after discharge developed a new cerebral infarction in the right basal ganglia. We commenced infliximab; no recurrence of cerebral infarction has been noted. The low AD2 activity may explain the intractable atypical course of this case. Further studies are needed to reveal the role of AD2 in patients with residual enzyme activity and reevaluation of the PAN diagnostic criteria is essential.

Polyarteritis nodosa initially presenting as concomitant peripheral neuropathy and myositis in unilateral limb: A case report

RATIONALE

We report the case of a patient who initially presented with peripheral neuropathy and myositis without typical organ involvement, such as the kidneys, skin, or gastrointestinal system, but was ultimately diagnosed with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN).

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 62-year-old man presented with radicular pain in his right lower extremity. One week later, he complained of right ankle motor weakness and pain in the right posterior thigh, which led to admission. After 6 weeks of hospitalization, he newly experienced pain in his right testicle and anterior thigh.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was initially diagnosed with polymyositis combined with sciatic neuropathy using magnetic resonance imaging, electrodiagnostic tests, and muscle biopsy. However, with the emergence of other systemic symptoms such as testicular pain, vasculitis was suspected, and the patient was reclassified as PAN using the 2007 European Medicines Agency algorithm and the American College of Rheumatology criteria.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with glucocorticoids for more than 6 months, and antiviral medication was prescribed to prevent hepatitis B virus reactivation.

OUTCOMES

The patient's radicular pain and pain in the right anterior and posterior thighs and testicle improved, and there were no signs of recurrence.

LESSONS

In patients presenting with radicular and focal muscle pain, it is crucial to consider the potential for PAN, as observed in this case report.

The "Viral" Form of Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN)-A Distinct Entity: A Case Based Review

Classic polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a vasculitis with systemic manifestations that is characterized by inflammatory and necrotizing lesions affecting medium and small muscular arteries, most frequently at the bifurcation of the vessels. These lesions lead to the formation of microaneurysms, hemorrhaging ruptured aneurysms, thrombosis, and, consequently, ischemia or organ infarction. Background and Objectives: We present a complex clinical case of a patient with a late diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa with multiorgan involvement. Materials and Methods: The 44-year-old patient, in an urban environment, presented on her own in the emergency room for acute ischemia phenomena and forearm and right-hand compartment syndrome, requiring surgical decompression in the Plastic Surgery Clinic. Results: Significant inflammatory syndrome is noted, alongside severe normocytic hypochromic iron deficiency anemia, nitrogen retention syndrome, hyperkalemia, hepatic syndrome, and immunological disturbances: absence of cANCA, pANCA, anti Scl 70 Ac, antinuclear Ac, and anti dDNA Ac, as well as a low C3 fraction of the plasmatic complement system. The morphological aspect described in the right-hand skin biopsy correlated with the clinical data supports the diagnosis of PAN. Conclusions: The viral form of PAN seems to be individualized as a distinct entity, requiring early, aggressive medication.

Peripheral Neuropathy in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases-Diagnosis and Treatment

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is frequently observed in systemic rheumatic diseases and is a challenge in clinical practice. We aimed to review the evidence on the subject and proposed a comprehensive approach to these patients, facilitating diagnosis and management. We searched the MEDLINE database for the terms (and its respective Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms): "peripheral neuropathy" AND "rheumatic diseases" OR "systemic lupus erythematosus", "rheumatoid arthritis", "Sjogren syndrome", and "vasculitis" from 2000 to 2023. This literature review focuses on the diagnostic workup of PNs related to systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic vasculitis. For every type of PN, we provide a pragmatic flowchart for diagnosis and also describe evidence-based strategies of treatment.

[Vasculitis as a cause of stroke]

The review considers the clinical picture, key aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of vasculitis that are the causes of strokes (giant cell arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, varicella zoster virus vasculopathy, cerebrovascular pathology caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, primary CNS angiitis, adenosine deaminase-2 deficiency).

Spectrum of Large and Medium Vessel Vasculitis in Adults: Primary Vasculitides, Arthritides, Connective Tissue, and Fibroinflammatory Diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide a comprehensive overview of the spectrum of large and medium vessel vasculitis in adults with primary vasculitides, arthritides, connective tissue, and fibroinflammatory diseases as well as vasculitis mimics, for an efficient differential diagnosis and initial diagnostic approach.

RECENT FINDINGS

Imaging has had a tremendous impact on the diagnosis of medium to large vessel vasculitis, now often replacing histopathologic confirmation and identifying new disease manifestations (e.g., intracranial disease in giant cell arteritis; vascular manifestations of IgG4-related disease). Novel diseases or syndromes involving blood vessels have been described (e.g., VEXAS-Syndrome with polychondritis). The use of the terms "medium" or "large" vessel varies considerably between medical specialties. The differential diagnosis of large and medium vessel vasculitis is becoming increasingly complex as new entities or disease manifestations of known inflammatory rheumatic diseases are regularly identified. A more precise and widely recognized definition of the vessel sizes would make future research more comparable.

High-resolution ultrasound of peripheral neuropathies in rheumatological patients: An overview of clinical applications and imaging findings

Peripheral neuropathies are surprisingly common and can be associated with a number of conditions, including rheumatological diseases. Whether the co-existence of peripheral neuropathies with rheumatological disorders is coincidental or related to a common pathogenic mechanism, these disabling conditions can affect the outcome of rheumatological patients and should be targeted with specific treatment. The clinical presentation of peripheral neuropathy can be multifaceted and difficult to recognize in polysymptomatic patients. However, physicians adopting state-of-art diagnostic strategies, including nerve imaging, may improve the detection rate and management of neuropathies. In particular, a diagnostic approach relying exclusively on clinical history and nerve conduction studies may not be sufficient to disclose the etiology of the nerve damage and its anatomical location and thus requires integration with morphological studies. High-Resolution Ultrasound (HRUS) is increasingly adopted to support the diagnosis and follow-up of both joint disorders in rheumatology and peripheral neuropathies of different etiologies. In this review, the different types of nerve disorders associated with the most common syndromes of rheumatological interest are discussed, focusing on the distinctive sonographic features.

Polyarteritis nodosa presenting with posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome

A man in his 20s presented following a generalised tonic-clonic seizure on a background of a recent diagnosis of hepatitis B (HBV). During admission, he was severely hypertensive and imaging findings confirmed a diagnosis of posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRES). The patient subsequently developed multiorgan involvement with an axonal sensorimotor neuropathy, vascular cutaneous lesions and multiple bilateral renal and splenic infarcts. Based on the 2012 Revised International Chapel Hill Consensus Criteria, a diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) with secondary PRES was made. The patient was given intravenous methylprednisolone, followed by a prolonged course of oral prednisolone, and tenofovir antiviral therapy to target HBV seroconversion. He made a good neurological recovery with resolution of imaging changes. This case highlights the importance of a low threshold for systemic screening for young patients presenting with PRES secondary to uncontrolled hypertension and the importance of viral screening, particularly for HBV.

Central nervous system manifestations of monogenic autoinflammatory disorders and the neurotropic features of SARS-CoV-2: Drawing the parallels

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in monogenic autoinflammatory disorders (AID) is increasingly recognized and can be life threatening. Therefore, a low threshold to consider CNS disease should be maintained in patients with systemic inflammation. Hyperinflammation is also a key feature of severe acute COVID-19 and post COVID-19 entities such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Like AID, COVID-19 patients can present with severe CNS involvement. The impact of COVID-19 on AID and CNS involvement in particular is still obscure, nevertheless dreaded. In the current review, we synthesize the spectrum of CNS manifestations in monogenic AID. We explore common pathophysiological and clinical features of AID and COVID-19. Moreover, we assess the impact of immune dysregulation associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections and post COVID-19 hyperinflammation in AID. The striking commonalities found between both disease entities warrant caution in the management of AID patients during the current pandemic.

Differentialdiagnose Vaskulitis und Vaskulopathie aus dermatologischer Sicht

Vaskulopathien und Vaskulitiden stellen diagnostisch und therapeutisch eine interdisziplinäre Herausforderung dar. Zugrunde liegen unterschiedliche pathophysiologische Mechanismen, die zu vielfältigen klinischen Krankheitsbildern führen können und therapeutisch unterschiedliche Ansätze erlauben. Sowohl Vaskulitiden als auch Vaskulopathien müssen nicht zwangsläufig mit einer Systembeteiligung einhergehen, sondern können auch als rein kutane Varianten auftreten. Aufgrund mangelnder pathognomonischer Laborparameter ist die Diagnose häufig klinisch zu stellen. Dieser Artikel soll den differentialdiagnostischen Blick, insbesondere auf die kutanen Manifestationsformen bei Vaskulopathien und Vaskulitiden, schärfen.

Pneumonia and seizures due to hypereosinophilic syndrome—organ damage and eosinophilia without synchronisation: A case report

BACKGROUND

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a condition characterized by increased eosinophil proliferation in the bone marrow, as well as tissue eosinophilia, often causing organ damage. The cause of the disease is unknown. Initial symptoms include fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, myalgia, angioedema, fever, and pneumonia. In addition to the respiratory symptoms, damage to the central nervous system can lead to severe seizures. Here, we report a case with pneumonia and complex partial seizures secondary to HES.

CASE SUMMARY

A 94-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for heart failure and bloody stools. After admission, she also showed symptoms of pneumonia. Non-contrast computed tomography of the chest showed pleural effusion and infiltrative shadows. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy showed multiple ulcers in the sigmoid colon. Blood analyses showed marked eosinophilia (eosinophils 1760/mm³, total leukocytes 6850/mm³). Initial treatment with furosemide 20 mg/d and prednisolone 25 mg/d relieved these symptoms. However, the patient subsequently experienced localised epileptic seizures characterized by bilateral eyelid twitching and eyes rolling upwards, without generalized convulsions, and respiratory arrest occurred. Electroencephalography showed spikes and waves. Non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed extensive periventricular hyperintensity. With administration of levetiracetam 1000 mg/d the epileptic seizures disappeared. However, the patient’s consciousness remained impaired, and her pneumonia worsened again. Two weeks later, she died of pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

HES symptoms are variable and atypical, and the level and timing of eosinophilia and organ damage are often discordant.

A Young Female Case of Polyarteritis Nodosa Presenting With Multisystem Involvement and Acute Abdomen: A Case Report

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a medium vessel vasculitis that affects multiple organ systems except the lungs. It is transmural segmental necrotizing inflammation associated with fibrinoid necrosis. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is strongly associated with PAN. It commonly affects medium-sized muscular arteries and typically involves renal, coronary, and mesenteric vessels, but not pulmonary arteries. Vascular lesions occur mostly at bifurcations in medium-sized muscular arteries. A case of polyarteritis nodosa was reported in a 21-year-old female who presented with blackish discoloration of feet, loss of appetite, loss of weight, colicky pain, and distension of the abdomen. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis was confirmed by skin biopsy; ascites was detected on computed tomography and chest and abdomen (erect) radiograph; and explorative laparotomy was done, but she died on the second postoperative day due to septicemic shock and acute renal and respiratory failure.

Immune mechanisms, the role of complement, and related therapies in autoimmune neuropathies

INTRODUCTION

Autoimmune neuropathies have diverse presentations and underlying immune mechanisms. Demonstration of efficacy of therapeutic agents that inhibit the complement cascade would confirm the role of complement activation.

AREAS COVERED

A review of the pathophysiology of the autoimmune neuropathies, to identify those that are likely to be complement mediated.

EXPERT OPINION

Complement mediated mechanisms are implicated in the acute and chronic neuropathies associated with IgG or IgM antibodies that target the Myelin Associated Glycoprotein (MAG) or gangliosides in the peripheral nerves. Antibody and complement mechanisms are also suspected in the Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy, given the therapeutic response to plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulins, even in the absence of an identifiable target antigen. Complement is unlikely to play a role in paraneoplastic sensory neuropathy associated with antibodies to HU/ANNA-1 given its intracellular localization. In chronic demyelinating neuropathy with anti-nodal/paranodal CNTN1, NFS-155, and CASPR1 antibodies, myotonia with anti-VGKC LGI1 or CASPR2 antibodies, or autoimmune autonomic neuropathy with anti-gAChR antibodies, the response to complement inhibitory agents would depend on the extent to which the antibodies exert their effects through complement dependent or independent mechanisms. Complement is also likely to play a role in Sjogren's, vasculitic, and cryoglobulinemic neuropathies.

Antiphospholipid-negative Sneddon's syndrome: A comprehensive overview of a rare entity

The term Sneddon's syndrome (SS) has been used since 1965 to describe a vasculopathy characterized by a combination of cerebrovascular disease with livedo racemosa. SS may be classified as antiphospholipid+ (aPL+) or antiphospholipid- (aPL-). Little is known about aPL- SS; in this review we describe the epidemiology and pathogenesis of aPL- SS, as well as the clinical and histologic features. We discuss recent findings in terms of neurologic and cardiac involvement. Moreover, differential diagnoses of conditions that may present with both livedo racemosa and stroke are discussed. Finally, we discuss real-life practical issues such as the initial investigations to be performed, long-term follow-up, and therapeutic management of aPL- SS patients.

Clinical Manifestations, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathies in Connective Tissue Diseases: More Diverse and Frequent in Different Subtypes than Expected

Purpose of review: To discuss and summarize recent findings in peripheral neuropathy (PN) related to connective tissue diseases (CTD) including its prevalence, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Recent findings: Although PN is a common complication in CTD and has been well studied, recent research has shown that PN is more diverse and frequent in different subtypes of CTD than was expected. The incidence of PN in Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) varies according to different disease subtypes, and the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain in different subtypes of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) may also differ. Neurogenic inflammation, autoantibody-mediated changes, ischemia of the vascular wall and metabolic mechanisms have been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of PN in CTD. Moreover, allergic inflammation has been recently identified as a possible new mechanism producing peripheral neuropathic pain associated with MPO-ANCA negative EGPA patients. Glucocorticoids are routinely used to relieve pain caused by PN. However, these steroids may cause hyperalgesia, exacerbate neuropathic pain, and activate the early phase of pain induction and produce hyperalgesia. Recently, neuroactive steroids, such as progesterone, tetrahydroprogesterone and testosterone, have been shown to exert protective effects for several PN symptoms, and in particular neuropathic pain. Neuroactive steroids will be an interesting topic for future research into PN in CTD. Summary: It is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of PN in CTD to be updated. Timely diagnosis, appropriate treatments, and multidisciplinary care are essential to minimize morbidity and decrease the risk of permanent neurologic deficits. Further studies are needed to guide diagnosis and treatment.

Acute Neurologic Manifestations of Systemic Immune-Mediated Diseases

Systemic autoimmune diseases can affect the peripheral and central nervous system. In this review, we outline the common inpatient consultations for patients with neurological symptoms from rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, immunoglobulin G4-related disease, Behçet's disease, giant cell arteritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis, polyarteritis nodosa, and ankylosing spondylitis. We discuss the symptoms, diagnostic strategies, and treatment options.

Rheumatologic Disorders and the Nervous System

PURPOSE

This article describes the neurologic manifestations of systemic autoimmune diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

Systemic autoimmune diseases can be associated with a wide spectrum of neurologic comorbidities involving the central and peripheral nervous systems. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be associated with a number of manifestations predominantly affecting the central nervous system (CNS), whereas peripheral neuropathy is less common. Sjögren syndrome can be associated with peripheral neuropathy in 10% of cases and CNS disease in 2% to 5% of cases. The risk of stroke is increased in SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, temporal arteritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Systemic vasculitides present most commonly with mononeuritis multiplex but can also affect the CNS. Cognitive dysfunction is a common symptom among patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, most commonly seen in patients with SLE or Sjögren syndrome.

SUMMARY

Neurologic manifestations of systemic autoimmune disease are important to recognize, as they may often be the presenting manifestation leading to diagnosis of the systemic disease or may be associated with increased morbidity, other complications, or mortality. Timely diagnosis and institution of appropriate treatment, often requiring multidisciplinary care, is essential to minimize morbidity and decrease the risk of permanent neurologic deficits.

Doctor-Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? Infection and immunization in individuals with neuromuscular disorders

The clinical course of neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) can be affected by infections, both in immunocompetent individuals, and in those with reduced immunocompetence due to immunosuppressive/immunomodulating therapies. Infections and immunizations may also trigger NMDs. There is a potential for reduced efficacy of immunizations in patients with reduced immunocompetence. The recent vaccination program for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) raises several questions regarding the safety and efficacy of this vaccine in individuals with NMDs. In this Practice Topic article, we address the role of vaccine-preventable infections in NMDs and the safety and efficacy of immunization in individuals with NMDs, with emphasis on vaccination against COVID-19.

Adult-onset deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2-a case report and literature review

Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by ADA2 gene mutation that is characterized by three phenotype domains: vasculopathy and inflammation, hematological abnormality, and immunodeficiency. Most patients are pediatric patients; adult-onset patients are only occasionally reported. To describe a Chinese case of adult-onset DADA2 in a Chinese patient and explore the genotype and phenotype characteristics of adult-onset DADA2. We examined the clinical, serological, and genetic features of a Chinese adult-onset DADA2 patient. English literature on DADA2 was reviewed. The clinical and genetic characteristics of different age and mutation subgroups were compared. A Chinese Han male presented with recurrent fever, rash, immunodeficiency, and significant vascular events since the age of 25 years. Serum ADA2 activity was diminished, and genotyping revealed a unique compound heterozygous mutation of exon2-10del/exon7del in the ADA2 gene leading to complete exon 7 deletion. Treatment with a TNFα inhibitor achieved disease control. A total of 269 cases carrying 102 mutations were analyzed through a literature review. Adult-onset patients had few symptoms in all three clinical domains; vasculopathy and inflammation were the major symptoms. Patients with null mutations had early disease onset and more frequent hematological abnormalities and immunodeficiency. Patients in all subgroups responded well to TNFα inhibitors. We reported the first Chinese adult-onset DADA2 patient, with a unique mutation. Screening for and differentiation of DADA2 are recommended for patients of all ages, as they might become symptomatic later in life and treatment strategies differ from those of traditional vasculitis. Key Points • We report a novel compound heterozygous deletion mutations of exons 2-10 and exon 7, leading to complete loss of exon 7 in the ADA2 gene. • Adult-onset DADA2 patients had high similarity to systemic vasculitis. • Null mutations contribute to earlier disease onset and more aggressive disease. • We suggest screening for DADA2 in patients with significant central vasculitis, hematological abnormality and immunodeficiency.

Clinical Approach to Diagnosis and Therapy of Polyarteritis Nodosa

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Polyarteritis nodosa is a rare disease characterized by the necrotizing inflammation of medium-sized arteries. Different etiopathogenetic and clinical variants of the disease have been recognized over the past decades. In the present paper, we review the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of the different subtypes of the disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

The diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa is primarily based on clinical findings, imaging, and histopathological investigations. Microbiological and genetic investigations complement the diagnostic work-up. Idiopathic and hereditary variants of polyarteritis nodosa are treated with immunomodulatory medications such as glucocorticoids, conventional immunomodulatory drugs (e.g., cyclophosphamide) and biologic agents (e.g., tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, interleukin 6 inhibitor), while hepatitis B virus-associated polyarteritis nodosa primarily requires antiviral therapy combined with plasma exchange. PAN is a disease with heterogeneous presentations, severity, and therapeutic approaches. The overall prognosis of this disease is improving, mainly due to early diagnosis and more effective treatments. Treatment choices are guided mainly by the disease subtype and severity. In this review, we have presented the current knowledge on PAN clinical variants, their classification, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.

Alcohol-Induced Neuropathy in Chronic Alcoholism: Causes, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Purpose of the Review

Alcohol abuse causes a wide range of disorders that affect the nervous system. These include confusion, cerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, and cognitive impairment. Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is the primary cause of peripheral neuropathy. It is worth noting that peripheral neuropathy has no reliable treatment due to the poor understanding of its pathology.

Recent Findings

Coasting is a major feature of alcoholic neuropathy, largely due to chronic alcohol abuse. Its major features are hyperalgesia, allodynia, and burning pain. Even though much research was done in this area, still we do not have a full understanding of the mechanism of alcoholic neuropathy. However, some theories have been proposed. These include direct or indirect effects of alcohol metabolites, impaired axonal transport, suppressed excitatory nerve pathway activity, or imbalance in neurotransmitters. Activation of spinal cord microglia, mGlu5 spinal cord receptors, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis also seem to be implicated in the pathophysiology of this alcoholic neuropathy. The goal of treatment is to impede further damage to the peripheral nerves while also restoring their normal physiology. Alcohol abstinence, intake of balanced diets, and treatment with medications are suggested including benfotiamine, alpha-lipoic acid, acetyl-l-carnitine, vitamin E, methylcobalamin, myo-inositol, N-acetylcysteine, capsaicin, tricyclic antidepressants, or antiepileptic drugs.

Summary

This review focuses on the many pathways that play a role in the onset and development of alcohol-induced neuropathy, as well as present the possible treatment strategies of this disorder, providing insights into a further search of new treatment modalities.

Analysis of the Clinical Characteristics and Follow-up Study of Children with Cutaneous Polyarteritis Nodosa

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of children with cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPAN), in order to improve the understanding of this disease.

METHODS

Data of 14 children with CPAN, who were hospitalized in the Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2006 to December 2016, were collected. The clinical characteristics of all patients were summarized, the antistreptolysin-O (ASO)-positive and ASO-negative groups were compared, and the follow-up results were analyzed. X2-test, Fisher's exact probability test, t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Among these 14 CPAN patients, nodular rash was the most common manifestation (14/14). The ASO-positive group had more nodules in the lower limbs and the ASO-negative group appeared more in the upper limbs, which were statistically significant (p<0.05). ASOpositive children were more likely to have joint symptoms (P<0.05), and were more prone to elevated white blood cells (P<0.05). Follow-ups were performed on nine patients, and the prognoses were all good. The occurrence of systemic polyarteritis nodosa was not observed.

CONCLUSION

The main clinical manifestation of children with CPAN is skin nodules, which rarely affects the internal organs. Streptococcal infection is often the main cause. Anti-infection treatment should be simultaneously considered.

Molecular Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Related Disorders: A Critical Review

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) which can lead to severe disability. Several diseases can mimic the clinical manifestations of MS. This can often lead to a prolonged period that involves numerous tests and investigations before a definitive diagnosis is reached. As well as the possibility of misdiagnosis. Molecular biomarkers can play a unique role in this regard. Molecular biomarkers offer a unique view into the CNS disorders. They help us understand the pathophysiology of disease as well as guiding our diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic approaches in CNS disorders. This review highlights the most prominent molecular biomarkers found in the literature with respect to MS and its related disorders. Based on numerous recent clinical and experimental studies, we demonstrate that several molecular biomarkers could very well aid us in differentiating MS from its related disorders. The implications of this work will hopefully serve clinicians and researchers alike, who regularly deal with MS and its related disorders.

Successful treatments of polyarteritis nodosa cerebral vasculitis and recurrent Elizabethkingiameningoseptica septicaemia in a dialysis patient

We report a case of cerebral vasculitis in a 31-year-old woman who presented with chronic kidney disease stage 5, labile hypertension and severe headaches. The diagnosis of cerebral vasculitis made on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and late diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa were made by conventional CT angiography. Immunosuppression was complicated by recurrent septicaemia due to Elizabethkingia meningoseptica. Treatment of the vasculitis resulted in marked improvement of MRA appearances, headaches and anxiety and stabilisation of blood pressure. The septicaemia required parenteral quinolone treatment and oral cotrimoxazole.