Isolated median neuropathy as the first symptom of leprosy

ABSTRACT Introduction Focal peripheral neuropathy of the median nerve is mainly caused by a traumatic event or pressure, but it may also be produced by systemic illnesses. Among the latter, leprosy is a rare cause. Methods Six cases of isolated median neuropathy as the first sign of leprosy were sel...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Muscle & nerve 2013-08, Vol.48 (2), p.179-184
Main Authors: Vital, Robson Teixeira, Illarramendi, Ximena, Antunes, Sérgio Luiz Gomes, Nascimento, Márcio, Da Costa Nery, José Augusto, Nascimento, Osvaldo, Sarno, Euzenir Nunes, Jardim, Márcia Rodrigues
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
bone resorption
digital neuropathy
Electromyography
Evoked Potentials, Motor - physiology
Female
Humans
leprosy
Leprosy - physiopathology
Male
median neuropathy
Median Neuropathy - pathology
Median Neuropathy - physiopathology
median neuropathy, nerve biopsy
Medical research
Middle Aged
nerve biopsy
Pain Measurement
Peripheral Nerves - pathology
Peripheral Nerves - physiopathology
pure neural leprosy
Skin - pathology
Wrist - innervation
Young Adult
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:ABSTRACT Introduction Focal peripheral neuropathy of the median nerve is mainly caused by a traumatic event or pressure, but it may also be produced by systemic illnesses. Among the latter, leprosy is a rare cause. Methods Six cases of isolated median neuropathy as the first sign of leprosy were selected from patients with an exclusively neurological complaint as the initial symptom. The patients, evaluated at the National Leprosy Reference Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, followed routine and specialized procedures. Results Three of the patients had pure neural leprosy, and 3 had skin lesions. Clinical median nerve function impairment was confirmed by neurophysiological testing and histopathology. Both mononeuritis and mononeuritis multiplex were observed. Conclusions This case series demonstrates an additional form of presentation of leprosy, which, if not diagnosed and treated in time, may lead to permanent disability. Muscle Nerve, 48: 179–184, 2013
ISSN:0148-639X
1097-4598
DOI:10.1002/mus.23731