Slowly progressive distal muscular atrophy of the bilateral upper limbs (O'Sullivan-McLeod syndrome) partially alleviated by intravenous immunoglobulin therapy

Intern Med. 2007;46(8):515-8. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.46.6221. Epub 2007 Apr 17.

Abstract

We report a case of O'Sullivan-McLeod syndrome in a 59-year-old man, who had experienced slowly progressive weakening of both hands since he was 20 years of age. Mild hyperIgEemia and eosinophilia were present. Nerve conduction studies revealed reduced F wave-evoked frequencies for the median and ulnar nerves. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day was given for 5 days. After IVIG, the muscle weakness of the distal upper extremities improved together with increased F wave-evoked frequencies. These effects lasted for a few months. These observations suggest that immune-mediated neural damage partially contributes to O'Sullivan-McLeod syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arm / diagnostic imaging*
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscular Atrophy / diagnostic imaging*
  • Muscular Atrophy / drug therapy*
  • Radiography
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous