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Vasculitic neuropathy associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a case report
Sunita Upreti1, Marwa Oudah1, Howard Hauptman2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Towson, Maryland, USA.
Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives
|November 15, 2019
Summary
Rheumatoid vasculitis, a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis, involves small-to-medium vessels. This case highlights mononeuritis multiplex caused by rheumatoid vasculitis affecting peripheral nerves.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting joints.
- Rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) is a rare, severe complication of RA, impacting small-to-medium-sized blood vessels.
- Histologically, RV is characterized by immune complex deposition in small vessels.
Observation:
- Vasculitis affecting the vasa nervorum (blood vessels supplying nerves) can lead to nerve infarction.
- This infarction of peripheral nerves results in neuropathy.
- The case presented illustrates mononeuritis multiplex, a specific pattern of nerve damage.
Findings:
- The patient presented with mononeuritis multiplex.
- The underlying cause identified was rheumatoid vasculitis.
- This demonstrates a direct link between RV and peripheral nerve damage.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing RV as a cause of neuropathy in RA patients.
- Early diagnosis and management of RV are crucial to prevent irreversible nerve damage.
- Understanding RV's impact on the nervous system can guide treatment strategies for complex RA cases.
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