DIAGNOSTIC-APPROACH TO CENTRAL AND PERIPHERAL NERVOUS-SYSTEM VASCULITIS

The diagnosis of vasculitis is first and foremost a clinical one. Corr ect diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion coupled with knowledg e of the manifestations of other disorders that may masquerade as vasc ulitis. Treatment of vasculitis requires prolonged use of drugs with t he potential for serious side effects. Whereas the prompt initiation o f definitive treatment is a very high priority, there is also substant ial risk of inappropriately treating self-limited and more benign diso rders mimicking vasculitis. This has been a particular problem with pr imary angiitis of the central nervous system. Laboratory studies, part icularly tissue biopsy, provide a crucial adjunct to clinical diagnosi s.