Characteristic MRI features of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

Abstract

We present characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in a pediatric female patient with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Muscle weakness developed at 8 years old and fluctuated during the clinical course over 7 years. Electrophysiological studies showed a demyelination pattern with moderately delayed nerve conduction velocity, as well as dispersion phenomenon. MRI showed marked changes in thickening of the spinal nerve roots and their peripheral nerves in the lumber and brachial plexuses, as well as in the bilateral trigeminal nerves. It is suggested that these MRI features are characteristic and strongly supportive of the diagnosis of CIDP with a prolonged clinical course.

Keywords: Brachial plexus; Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy; Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy; Lumber plexus; Neurofibromatosis type 1; Peripheral nerve; Trigeminal nerve.