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The spatial distribution of fiber loss in diabetic polyneuropathy suggests ischemia
Author(s) -
Dyck Peter James,
Karnes Jeannine L.,
O'Brien Peter,
Okazaki Haruo,
Lais Alfred,
Engelstad JaNean
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
annals of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.764
H-Index - 296
eISSN - 1531-8249
pISSN - 0364-5134
DOI - 10.1002/ana.410190504
Subject(s) - polyneuropathy , nerve fiber , pathological , medicine , ischemia , anatomy , sprouting , pathology , fiber , cardiology , biology , chemistry , botany , organic chemistry
Characterization and quantitation of the spatial distribution of pathological abnormalities along the length of nerves may be helpful in understanding the underlying mechanisms of diabetic polyneuropathy. To this end, by examining transverse sections of nerve roots and proximal‐to‐distal levels of lower limb nerves in 9 controls and 15 diabetic patients with polyneuropathy, we have determined the myelinated fiber (MF) number, size distribution, median diameter, and variability of density (MFs/mm 2 ) among frames and among fascicles. Even in cases with mild polyneuropathy, fiber loss, a decrrease in the median diameter, and an increase in the variability of density among frames and among fascicles began in proximal nerve and extended to distal levels. Multifocal fiber loss along the length of nerves and sprouting provide the best explanation for these findings. The pattern is dissimilar from that observed in diffuse metabolic disease of Schwann cells, neuronal degeneration, and dying‐back neuropathy, but like that found in experimental ischemic neuropathy induced by embolization of nerve capillaries.