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Peripheral neuropathy in scleroderma
Author(s) -
Poncelet Ann N.,
Connolly M. Kari
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.10439
Subject(s) - medicine , carpal tunnel syndrome , peripheral neuropathy , sensation , scleroderma (fungus) , peripheral , weakness , etiology , neurological examination , median nerve , atrophy , entrapment neuropathy , sensory loss , surgery , pathology , diabetes mellitus , neuroscience , inoculation , biology , endocrinology
Abstract Because patients with scleroderma report neuropathic symptoms including numbness, paresthesias, and dysesthesias, we assessed peripheral nerve function in such patients. Fourteen scleroderma patients underwent complete neurologic examination, nerve conduction studies (NCS) and quantitative sensory testing (QST). Neurologic examination revealed reduced vibration (7) or pinprick (4) sensation in the upper or lower extremities, focal atrophy or proximal weakness (2), and decreased deep tendon reflexes (2). NCS showed reduced sensory nerve action potentials (1) and carpal tunnel syndrome (1). QST of the upper and lower extremity revealed increased cold or vibration detection thresholds in 8 of 14 patients. Our findings suggest that peripheral neuropathy occurs in patients with scleroderma at a higher frequency than previously appreciated. These findings cannot be ascribed to compression neuropathies, but rather involve large and small fibers in a non–length‐dependent fashion. Larger, prospective studies using the more sensitive QST as well as pathologic studies of nerve, including cutaneous innervation, are needed to further assess the characteristics and etiology of the neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 28: 330–335, 2003