SYSTEMIC VASCULITIS AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM INVOLVEMENT. A CLINICAL REVIVEW

Introduction: The vasculitis syndromes (or vasculitides) are a group of multisystemic conditions. Primary vasculitis are not associated with other inflammatory disease processes, while secondary vasculitis can be caused by infection, malignancy, drug exposure, or occur in the context of a systemic collagen vascular disease. Objective: To present a clinical review of central nervous involvemente in systemic vasculitis. Results: The Chapel Hill Consensus Conference (CHCC) reached consensus on names for the most common forms of primary vasculitis and constructed a specific definition for each one. Making the diagnosis is often difficult. It frequently requires the use of imaging, biopsies and or autoantibody determination. The presenting symptoms can vary widely depending on the size and location of involved vasculature. Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are not frequently affected however these manifestations can lead to serious morbidity complications and even deaths. Conclusion: In this article we mention those primary and secondary vasculitis (in the context of rheumatic diseases) focus in CNS and PNS features in order to recognize them and make a right and timely diagnosis and treatment. Keywords: Vasculitis, Central nervous system