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Polyneuropathy: an unusual extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease
Author(s) -
Humbert P.,
Monnier G.,
Billerey C.,
Birgen C.,
Dupond J. L.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1989.tb03883.x
Subject(s) - polyneuropathy , medicine , crohn's disease , disease , dermatology , gastroenterology , pathology
— Among the extraintestinal complications of Crohn's disease, neuropathy seems to be rare, and is only exceptionally reported in the literature. The authors present the report of a patient followed over a 12‐year period who developed polyneuropathy with a parallel course to Crohn's disease. There was no evidence of any other underlying condition. On one occasion, the patient developed a cutaneous vasculitis with fibrinoid deposits in the vessels. The search for circulating immune complexes was positive. The authors demonstrated increased intestinal permeability using the 51 chromium‐labeled ethylenediaminetetra‐acetate ( 51 Cr‐EDTA) test. Ultrastructural study of a biopsy of the superficial peroneal nerve disclosed a marked denervation process. Therapeutic plasmapheris were performed, improving the neurologic symptoms. Vasculitis with circulating immune complexes is suggested as a possible mechanism in view of the occurrence of cutaneous vasculitis, increased intestinal permeability, and plasma exchange efficiency.