Neurogenic muscle hypertrophy: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Musculoskeletal Medicine

Background:

• Muscular hypertrophy is typically associated with myopathic disorders.
• Neurogenic causes of muscle hypertrophy are rare but documented.

Observation:

• A 74-year-old woman presented with chronic right calf pain and hypertrophy.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed lumbar spinal stenosis (L4-L5) and fatty changes in the right gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.
• Electrodiagnostic tests indicated polyradiculopathy affecting the 5th lumbar and 1st sacral nerves.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with neurogenic muscle hypertrophy secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis and polyradiculopathy.
• The hypertrophy was attributed to fatty degeneration of specific calf muscles.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering neurogenic etiologies in patients presenting with lower limb hypertrophy and pain.
• Clinicians should consider neurogenic muscle hypertrophy in the differential diagnosis for unexplained calf enlargement and associated symptoms.