Neurology of rheumatologic disorders

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2014 Jul;14(7):456. doi: 10.1007/s11910-014-0456-6.

Abstract

Rheumatologic diseases encompass autoimmune and inflammatory disorders of the joints and soft tissues that often involve multiple organ systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. Common features include constitutional symptoms, arthralgia and arthritis, myalgia, and sicca symptoms. Neurological manifestations may present in patients with preexisting rheumatologic diagnoses, occur concurrently with systemic signs and symptoms, or precede systemic manifestations by months to years. Rheumatic disorders presenting as neurological syndromes may pose diagnostic challenges. Advances in immunosuppressive treatment of rheumatologic disease have expanded the treatment armamentarium. However, serious neurotoxic effects have been reported with both old and newer agents. Familiarity with neurological manifestations of rheumatologic diseases, diagnosis, and potential nervous system consequences of treatment is important for rapid diagnosis and appropriate intervention. This article briefly reviews the diverse neurological manifestations and key clinical features of rheumatic disorders and the potential neurological complications of agents commonly used for treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / complications
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Myositis / complications
  • Myositis / drug therapy
  • Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced
  • Nervous System Diseases / complications
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Rheumatic Diseases / complications
  • Rheumatic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Rheumatic Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Sarcoidosis / complications

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents