Rheumatoid neuropathy

Abstract

Signs of sensory and senso-motor neuropathy were observed on 9 RA patients. The muscle biopsy material showed myopathy and neurogenic atrophy by light-microscope examination. The sural nerve was examined in all cases by electron microscope. The most outstanding alteration was found in the myelin but the axon showed damage as well. The Schwann-cells showed signs of regeneration; the basal membranes of the capillaries were remarkably widened; the endothelial cells were swollen. The damage to the peripheral nerve is thought to be due to vascular changes.