Semin Neurol 1998; 18(1): 63-72
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1040862
© 1998 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Neuropathies Associated with Connective Tissue Disease

Richard K. Olney
  • Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Neuropathies are a common neurologic manifestation of diffuse connective tissue disease. Vasculitic neuropathy requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to improve its outcome. It is commonly multifocal but may be confluent and symmetrical. Vasculitic neuropathy needs to be distinguished from the more common syndromes of compression neuropathy, which may also be multifocal, and nonvasculitic distal axonal polyneuropathy. Sensory neuronopathy is a distinctive syndrome unique to Sjögren's syndrome among the connective tissue diseases. Trigeminal sensory neuropathy may be the presenting feature of systemic sclerosis or may develop during the course of other connective tissue diseases. This article reviews the clinical and diagnostic features of neuropathies associated with the common diffuse connective tissue diseases.

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