Autonomic neuropathy associated with autoimmune disease

Gudesblatt, Mark MD
Goodman, Andrew D. MD
Rubenstein, Allan E. MD
Bender, Adam N. MD
Choi, Ho-Soon H. MD

Department of Neurology (Drs Gudesblatt, Goodman, Ruben-stein, and Bender), Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, and the Department of Pathology (Dr. Choi), Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Laboratory Service, VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Rubenstein, Department of Neurology, Annenberg 14, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029.

Supported in part by a grant from the J. Aron Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Accepted for publication June 6, 1984

Neurology 35(2):p 261-264, February 1985.

Article abstract

Mononeuropathy multiplex and mixed sensorimotor neuropathy are known complications of systemic vasculitis and related autoimmune disorders. Autonomic dysfunction is not generally considered a neurologic complication of these diseases. We report two patients who came to neurologic attention because of autonomic dysfunction and were then discovered to have autoimmune disease. Autonomic dysfunction may be the presenting sign of autoimmune disorders, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acquired autonomic disturbances.