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Nerve root hypertrophy in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
R N De Silva1, H J Willison, D Doyle
1Institute of Neurological Sciences, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Muscle & Nerve
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) can cause nerve root lesions mimicking tumors. Recurrent demyelination and remyelination are suggested causes, expanding the differential diagnosis for these radiological findings.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an autoimmune disorder affecting peripheral nerves.
- Central demyelinating diseases impact the central nervous system.
- Neurofibromata are benign tumors associated with neurofibromatosis.
Observation:
- A patient with CIDP and central demyelinating disease presented with unusual findings on imaging.
- Lumbar-sacral nerve roots showed striking nodular filling defects.
- These defects mimicked neurofibromata on myelography and MRI.
Findings:
- The observed nodular lesions are hypothesized to result from repeated episodes of demyelination and remyelination.
- This radiological presentation is not typical for CIDP but is observed in this case.
- The findings suggest a potential link between CIDP and these specific nerve root abnormalities.
Implications:
- The differential diagnosis for nodular nerve root lesions should now include CIDP.
- This case highlights the diverse and sometimes atypical manifestations of CIDP.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms linking CIDP to segmental nerve root changes.