[Hepatitis C-associated vasculitic mononeuritis multiplex].

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS

A 56-year-old woman with hepatitis C had symptoms of a polyneuropathy with asymmetrical distal pareses and painful sensory disturbances in the limbs.

INVESTIGATION

In addition to positive serology for hepatitis C cryoglobulins were demonstrated and complement C4 was reduced. Biopsy of the sural nerve showed a vasculitic neuropathy.

TREATMENT AND COURSE

The multiple neuropathy (cryoglobulinaemia neuropathy), associated with hepatitis C, was treated with corticosteroids (starting with 60 mg/d prednisolone) and the neurological abnormalities regressed well.

CONCLUSION

Vasculitis associated with hepatitis C should be included in the differential diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy.