Clinicopathological Description of Vasculitic Neuropathy by Minkowski (1888) and Joffroy and Achard (1889)

Since its introductory characterization by Kussmaul and Maier in 1866, the understanding of vasculitis has evolved significantly. Modern classification systems provide clear clinical and histopathologic definitions. Although early vasculitis cases likely included neuromuscular involvement, specific clinicopathologic descriptions of nerve vasculitis were lacking. We present early clinicopathologic descriptions of vasculitic neuropathy, as reported by the German physician Oskar Minkowski (1858-1931) and the French physicians Alix Joffroy (1844-1908) and Charles Achard (1860-1944).