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Calcification of peripheral nerves in leprosy
S L Chauhan1, A Girdhar, B Mishra
1NCD, ICMR, New Delhi, India.
Acta Leprologica
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Calcification in nerves, particularly the ulnar nerve, occurred in 8 male patients with Tuberculous (TB) neuropathy. Late-onset nerve abscesses and longer illness duration increased calcification risk, suggesting dystrophic calcification.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Tuberculous (TB) neuropathy can cause nerve thickening and abscess formation.
- Calcification within nerves is an uncommon but recognized complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of nerve calcification in patients with Tuberculous (TB) neuropathy.
- To identify factors associated with nerve calcification in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 74 patients diagnosed with Tuberculous (TB) neuropathy.
- Radiographic review to identify nerve calcification.
- Clinical data review including duration of illness and onset of nerve abscess.
Main Results:
- Calcification was observed in 8 out of 74 patients (10.8%).
- Most common sites were the ulnar and lateral popliteal nerves.
- Calcification was exclusively seen in male patients with a longer duration of illness and late-onset nerve abscesses.
Conclusions:
- Nerve calcification in Tuberculous (TB) neuropathy is associated with male gender, prolonged illness, and late-onset nerve abscess.
- The dystrophic nature of calcification is suggested by the high lipid content, cholesterol, and cholesterol ester ratio in caseous pus.