PERIARTERITIS NODOSA

Abstract

Although one of the most constant clinical features of periarteritis nodosa is the presence of so-called neuritis and myositis, little attention has been paid to the pathologic changes in the peripheral or central nervous system. Every one recognizes that the changes which sometimes occur in the brain are the result of occluded arteries, with subsequent infarction of various portions of the cerebrum or cerebellum. Similar changes occur in the heart, kidneys and other organs of the body; yet it is not generally recognized that the changes which occur in the peripheral nervous system are actually the result of occluded nutrient arteries in the nerve trunks, with subsequent infarction of the nerve bundles. We have selected and studied the clinical records in five cases in which there were prominent neurologic symptoms and also have studied rather completely the neurologic tissues involved. Since the examination of peripheral nerves in their entire length