Autoimmune Axonal Neuropathies

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective This article reviews autoimmune axonal neuropathies, their characteristic clinical features, disease and antibody associations, appropriate ancillary testing, treatment, and prognosis. Latest Developments In 2021, the American College of Rheumatology and the Vasculitis Foundation released new summary guidelines for the treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody–associated vasculitides. In addition, novel autoantibodies have been recently identified; they are often paraneoplastic and associated with axonal neuropathies. Essential Points Recognition of autoimmune axonal neuropathies is important because of the potential for effective treatment to either reverse deficits or slow the progression of disease. It is necessary to properly assess for associations with other systemic disorders (eg, systemic vasculitis, connective tissue disease, neoplasm) so that adequate treatment for both neurologic and non-neurologic aspects of the disease can be initiated.