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Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: two cases with cervical spinal cord compression
Marcos R G de Freitas1, Osvaldo J M Nascimento, Cristiane N Soares
1Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil. mgdefreitas@hotmail.com
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|September 21, 2005
Summary
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) can lead to spinal cord compression due to enlarged nerve roots. Neurologists should monitor long-standing CIDP patients for this rare but serious complication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Peripheral Nerve Disorders
Background:
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an immune-mediated peripheral nerve disorder.
- CIDP presents with progressive or relapsing weakness, primarily affecting proximal and distal lower limbs.
- Diagnostic features include demyelinating electromyography and often elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein.
Observation:
- Two female patients with long-standing CIDP developed cervical spinal cord compression.
- The compression was caused by hypertrophic spinal nerve roots.
- One patient experienced a relapsing-remitting course, while the other had a chronic progressive course.
Findings:
- Hypertrophic spinal nerve roots can cause spinal cord compression in patients with long-standing CIDP.
- This complication can manifest after a prolonged disease course.
- Enlarged nerves, sometimes found in CIDP, may contribute to root hypertrophy.
Implications:
- Neurologists must consider spinal cord compression as a potential complication in CIDP.
- Awareness of this possibility aids in timely diagnosis and management.
- Early recognition can prevent irreversible neurological damage in CIDP patients.