Series of paraneoplastic vasculitic neuropathy: A rare, potentially treatable neuropathy

Abstract

Background: Paraneoplastic vasculitic neuropathy (PVN) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome. It is characterized by non-systemic subacute vasculitic neuropathy. It is most commonly associated with small cell lung cancers (SCLC) and lymphomas. PVN presents as a painful symmetrical or asymmetrical sensorimotor axonal neuropathy. The neurological symptoms may predate the tumor and may be the initial manifestations, or they may develop after a tumor is diagnosed. Recognition of this entity is important because of its potential treatability. Aim: To study the clinical features of PVN and briefly review the literature. Materials and Methods: The data was collected retrospectively from the medical records of our hospital. Results: Of the 14 cases of paraneoplastic neuropathies, 4 had a PVN. The age of onset was more than 50 years and there was no sex preponderance. Pain was seen in three patients. Two patients were previously treated for a thymoma. Two patients, following their presentation with PVN, were diagnosed with a colonic carcinoma and lung carcinoma, respectively. Conclusions: The recognition of PVN is important as this syndrome may respond to immunosuppression and tumor removal.