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Published on: October 7, 2021
Multifocal acquired sensory and motor neuropathy: electrodiagnostic features
Paul Magda1, Norman Latov, Thomas H Brannagan
1From the Peripheral Neuropathy Center, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York City, NY.
Journal of Clinical Neuromuscular Disease
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Most patients with multifocal sensory and motor neuropathy show electrodiagnostic signs of demyelination, even if not meeting all criteria for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). These patients often respond well to immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Multifocal sensory and motor neuropathy (MSMN) is a rare condition of unknown cause.
- Distinguishing MSMN from other neuropathies like chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is crucial for treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze electrodiagnostic features in MSMN patients.
- To assess the presence of demyelination and compare findings with CIDP criteria.
- To evaluate immunotherapy response in MSMN.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of electrodiagnostic studies in 13 MSMN patients.
- Analysis of demyelinating features, CIDP criteria fulfillment, and immunotherapy response.
- Comparison of findings with published data for unselected CIDP patients.
Main Results:
- Eleven of 13 patients exhibited electrodiagnostic demyelination features.
- 17-77% met at least one CIDP electrodiagnostic criterion, with fewer demyelinating features than classic CIDP.
- Patients showed similar partial conduction block and F-wave prolongation as CIDP, but less distal compound muscle action potential duration prolongation, distal latency prolongation, or slowed conduction velocities.
- All treated patients, including two not meeting CIDP criteria, showed moderate immunotherapy response.
Conclusions:
- A majority of idiopathic MSMN patients display electrodiagnostic demyelination.
- Findings suggest overlap between MSMN and CIDP, though MSMN may present with fewer demyelinating features.
- Immunotherapy appears beneficial for MSMN patients, irrespective of strict CIDP criteria adherence.
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