Central nervous system vasculitis and polyneuropathy as first manifestations of hepatitis C

Abstract

Sensory or motor peripheral neuropathy may be observed in a significant proportion of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. However, central nervous system (CNS) involvement is uncommon, especially in cryoglobulin-negative subjects. We describe a case of peripheral neuropathy combined with an ischemic CNS event as primary manifestations of chronic HCV infection without cryoglobulinemia. Significant improvement was observed after antiviral therapy. We discuss the spectrum of neurological manifestations of HCV infection and review the literature. (C) 2012 Baishideng. All rights reserved.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Hepatitis Sect, Div Gastroenterol, BR-04037003 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Hepatitis Sect, Div Gastroenterol, BR-04037003 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc