Parsonage-Turner syndrome and cytomegalovirus disease

Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS), is a distinct idiopathic immune-mediated neuritis of the brachial plexus, characterized by sudden attacks of severe neuropathic pain usually in the shoulder and/or arm, followed by progressive neurologic deficits, including weakness, atrophy, and occasionally sensory abnormalities. Pathogenesis is assumed to be multifactorial, and several observations support the hypothesis of an immune-triggering event preceding PTS, most frequently infections. A literature review reveals a variety of clinical presentations and courses. Various microorganisms preceding PTS have been documented. The authors report a case of PTS related to cytomegalovirus infection with a review of the relevant literature. Special emphasis is placed on the most important infectious agents considered in the etiological list of PTS.