[A case of multiple mononeuropathy associated with pustulosis palmaris et plantaris (PPP)]

A 41-year-old man with PPP since in 1982 was admitted in May, 1987, because of the progressive asymmetric sensory disturbance in the hands and feet over 4 months, accompanied by an exacerbation of PPP. On admission, eruptions of PPP were observed in the palms and soles. Asymmetric and mildly decreased sensations of touch and pain were present in the distal part of the four extremities as well as in his trunk, accompanied by paresthesia and dysesthesia. Mild to moderate weakness was noted in the hand muscles, and slight muscular atrophy was present in the right lower leg. A work-up for collagen vascular disease was within normal limits. T lymphocyte subset showed a decreased ratio of OKT 4/OKT 8. Left sural nerve biopsy showed axonal degeneration and moderate decrease of myelinated fibers, and the vasculitis was not found. The neurological signs and symptoms as well as the skin eruptions improved with methylprednisolone 40 mg/day. A causal relationship between the multiple mononeuropathy and PPP of our patient was indicated by the almost simultaneous onset of the neuropathy and the exacerbation of PPP as well as the improvement of these two conditions with corticosteroid therapy. Such combination of multiple mononeuropathy and PPP has not so far been reported.