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Brachial plexopathy associated with diffuse edematous scleroderma
L Mouthon1, C Halimi, J C Dussaule Md
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Avicenne and Paris-Nord University, 125, route de Stalingrad, 93000 Bobigny, France. luc.mouthon@avc.ap-hop-paris.fr
Annales De Medecine Interne
|August 3, 2000
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) rarely affects the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This case study shows successful treatment of brachial plexus involvement in SSc using cyclophosphamide therapy.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease affecting connective tissues.
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement in SSc is uncommon, typically presenting as nerve entrapment.
- Previous reports of SSc-related brachial plexus involvement are extremely limited.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old woman with limited cutaneous SSc developed new-onset motor deficiency in her left arm.
- The neurological deficit occurred alongside diffuse edematous skin changes.
- No evidence of trauma or external compression of the brachial plexus was found.
Findings:
- Intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide therapy was administered for six months.
- Significant improvement in both skin manifestations and neurological deficits was observed.
- This suggests a potential therapeutic response to cyclophosphamide in SSc-associated brachial plexopathy.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare presentation of SSc affecting the brachial plexus.
- Cyclophosphamide therapy may be a viable treatment option for such neurological complications.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy in SSc-related neuropathy.