Retrospective Review of 56 Patients with Sensory Ganglionopathy

Sensory ganglionopathy (SG) is a rare and specific subgroup of the peripheral nervous system diseases. Electrophysiology shows a widespread amplitude decrease in sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) or absence of SNAPs in SG. SG diagnosis has a special importance in the context of etiology. We aimed to contribute to diagnosing SG as early as possible with the help of other supportive diagnostic work-up without the need for invasive methods by reviewing data of patients with electrophysiologically diagnosed SG.

The medical records of 56 patients with SG diagnosed by electrodiagnostic (EDx) tests were reviewed. EDx findings were compared with our laboratory normal values. Also EDx findings of patients with 23 pure SG patients and 9 SG with motor axonal involvement were analyzed.

Etiology was determined in 35 (62.5%) of all patients besides a considerable idiopathic preponderance (n=14; 25%). Comparison of ulnar nerve DMLs of 23 pure SG patients and 9 SG with motor axonal involvement patients, was not statistically significant (p=0.064). Needle EMG findings of lower extremity were grade 1 in 52.9% and grade 3 in 5.8%. Of the patients who underwent upper extremity needle EMG, grade 1 was detected in 53.8% and grade 3 was detected in 7.6%.

In order to diagnose SG as early as possible without the need for invasive methods and to elucidate its etiology, a thorough electrophysiological screening should be performed with the help of other supportive diagnostic tools.