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Nerve biopsy in acquired neuropathies.
Claudia Sommer1, Antonia S Carroll2,3,4, Haruki Koike5
1Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System : JPNS
|September 15, 2021
Summary
Nerve biopsy remains crucial for diagnosing rare neuropathies when other tests fail. Tissue-based diagnosis guides essential treatment strategies, especially for acquired peripheral neuropathies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pathology
- Genomics
Background:
- Neuropathy diagnosis traditionally relies on clinical assessment and investigations.
- Technological advances, particularly in genomics, have reduced the reliance on nerve biopsy.
- Specific tissue-based diagnoses are vital for many treatable acquired peripheral neuropathies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnostic utility of nerve biopsy in neurology.
- To emphasize the importance of tissue-based diagnosis for treatment strategies.
- To highlight the role of nerve biopsy in acquired peripheral neuropathies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the role of nerve biopsy.
- Analysis of diagnostic pathways for peripheral neuropathies.
- Discussion of treatment implications of tissue-based diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Nerve biopsy is the definitive diagnostic step when other investigations are inconclusive.
- Tissue analysis confirms etiology in complex neuropathy cases.
- Diagnosis via nerve biopsy is critical for initiating targeted therapies.
Conclusions:
- Despite technological progress, nerve biopsy retains essential diagnostic value.
- Tissue-based diagnosis from nerve biopsy is indispensable for guiding treatment, including immunosuppressive therapies.
- Nerve biopsy remains a key tool for diagnosing and managing treatable acquired peripheral neuropathies.
