Neurological manifestations of vasculitis

Primary vasculitis syndromes are diseases characterized by inflammation and necrosis of blood vessel, resulting in vessel occlusion and secondary ischemia of involved tissues. The presentation and clinical manifestations of the vasculitides are extremely variables, and an accurate diagnosis is often difficult. Because neurologic symptoms may be the presenting, the first and in some cases the only manifestations of the underlying disease process, a systematic diagnostic and therapeutic approach to the vasculitic syndromes is essential for the neurologist. Furthemore, a wide variety of clinical manifestations, particularly neurological, of connective tissue disorders may also be related to vasculitis. This review focuses on the neurological manifestations of the late primary vasculitis and of the vasculitis associated with connective tissue disorders. An early diagnosis and the begun of appropiate therapy will prevent the development or progression of central nervous system and peripheral nervous system manifestations.