Immunologie in de medische praktijk. XIV. Complicaties van het centrale zenuwstelsel bij systemische auto-immuunziekten

Complications of the central nervous system (CNS) are common in systemic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Specific diagnostic tests are lacking and early intervention with immunosuppressive therapy is frequently necessary. Therefore knowledge of these CNS complications is essential for early diagnosis and treatment.

In the differential diagnosis of these patients an infectious or drug-induced cause must be considered.

Patients with one of the systemic vasculitides often present with neurological disturbances. Corticosteroids are the most important therapeutics in these cases.