Autoimmune Disorder of the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems: Report of a Case With Very Long Follow-Up

Autoimmune diseases usually affect central or peripheral nervous system and can affect both only in rare cases. A 55-year-old female was referred with symptoms of multiple mononeuritis associated with central signs and she had a dramatic improvement with steroid therapy. An attempt to stop steroid therapy after four years resulted in an almost immediate reappearance of symptoms. Despite some episodes of paresthesias or weakness in the lower limbs, steroid therapy at full dosage prolonged until the age of 76 years allowing an almost normal life. At the age of 86 years, the patient has been relatively well. Overlap syndrome of some autoimmune diseases is discussed; need for a very prolonged therapy, non-response to intravenous immunoglobulin and relatively good prognosis are stressed