Central nervous system manifestations of periarteritis nodosa

Abstract

In the 114 cases of pathologically proved periarteritis nodosa reviewed, 53 patients (46%) had symptoms and signs of central nervous system or cranial nerve involvement. Thirty-nine patients had both cerebral manifestations and neuropathy, 38 had neuropathy alone, and 14 had only cerebral symptoms and signs. The most common cerebral manifestation was that of mental derangement, usually an organic psychosis or confusional state. Headache, convulsions, blurred vision, vertigo, and sudden unilateral visual loss were the most common symptoms referable to the central nervous system. The most common abnormalities on examination were retinopathy, hemiparesis, and signs of a brainstem lesion. There was no difference in duration of life, after onset of disease, in those with and those without central nervous system involvement.