[Brachial plexopathy after breast cancer]
Gro Helen Dale1, Hanne Gottrup, Henning Andersen
1Neurologisk Afdeling F, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C. grodal@rm.dk.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|December 16, 2014
Summary
Neoplastic plexopathy, a rare neuropathy, can occur years after breast cancer treatment. This case highlights the need for repeated diagnostic imaging to identify metastatic cancer as a potential cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Neoplastic plexopathy is an uncommon cause of neuropathy.
- Breast cancer survivors may develop plexopathy years post-treatment.
Observation:
- A patient presented with unilateral arm pain, sensory deficits, and muscle atrophy.
- Impaired hand function was a significant clinical manifestation.
Findings:
- Diagnosis required repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
- Metastatic breast cancer was identified as the cause of brachial plexopathy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive and repeated diagnostic evaluation.
- Metastatic cancer should be considered in the differential diagnosis of plexopathy, even in long-term survivors.
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