Electromyography in Congenital Zika Syndrome
Ana C M Gouveia de Melo1, Vanessa van der Linden2, Sarah C Serpa3
1Pediatric Neurology Service, Hospital da Restauração, Recife, Brazil.
Summary
Congenital Zika virus syndrome may cause arthrogryposis due to neurogenic causes. Studies show muscle denervation in affected infants, suggesting motor neuron malformation during embryogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Virology
Background:
- Congenital Zika virus syndrome (CZS) is a spectrum of birth defects.
- CZS can manifest as microcephaly, seizures, and arthrogryposis.
- Neuronal migration disorders are observed in imaging studies of CZS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurogenic cause of arthrogryposis in CZS.
- To analyze electromyography and nerve conduction in infants with CZS.
- To correlate clinical findings with neurological examinations.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed needle electromyography and nerve conduction in 77 infants (2-24 months).
- Patients presented with highly probable congenital Zika virus syndrome.
- Included infants with and without arthrogryposis.
Main Results:
- All patients with arthrogryposis showed chronic muscle denervation.
- Infants with reversible joint abnormalities also presented with denervation.
- Paravertebral muscle denervation was observed in infants with diaphragmatic paralysis or thoracic deformities.
Conclusions:
- Congenital contractures in CZS are proposed to stem from motor neuron malformation.
- Upper and lower motor neuron malformations are implicated in embryogenesis.
- Findings support a neurogenic etiology for arthrogryposis in CZS.
