Neuralgic amyotrophy and infectious mononucleosis: a case report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Neuralgic amyotrophy, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, is an idiopathic neuropathy characterized by sudden onset of severe pain followed by muscle weakness and atrophy.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common human herpesvirus that can cause a range of illnesses, including infectious mononucleosis.
• While EBV is a known trigger for various neurological complications, its direct association with neuralgic amyotrophy is less commonly reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of neuralgic amyotrophy following an Epstein-Barr virus infection.
• To investigate the potential link between EBV and the development of neuralgic amyotrophy.
• To highlight the clinical presentation and potential contributing factors in this case.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 27-year-old male patient.
• Serological testing to confirm Epstein-Barr virus infection.
• Clinical assessment of neurological symptoms and limb function.

Main Results:

• The patient developed neuralgic amyotrophy of the right upper limb five weeks after an acute febrile illness.
• Epstein-Barr virus infection was confirmed serologically as the cause of the febrile illness.
• The affected limb had been subjected to heavy manual labor prior to the onset of weakness.

Conclusions:

• Epstein-Barr virus infection can be a potential trigger for neuralgic amyotrophy.
• Heavy manual labor may be a contributing factor in the development of neuralgic amyotrophy in susceptible individuals.
• This case adds to the understanding of EBV-associated neurological complications and parallels with other post-infectious neuropathies.