Neuropathy with predominant small fiber involvement associated with abnormal anti-MAG titer

Intern Med. 2010;49(23):2627-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.49.4200. Epub 2010 Dec 1.

Abstract

We describe a patient with painful neuropathy associated with an abnormal anti-MAG titer in which predominant involvement of intra-epidermal nerve fiber was documented. Electrophysiological studies revealed low-borderline amplitude of sensory and compound motor action potentials registering from lower limbs and normal conduction velocity. Sural nerve biopsy disclosed only a slight loss of myelinated fiber. Skin biopsy performed at the proximal thigh and at the distal leg was consistent with a non-length-dependent small fiber neuropathy. It is likely that in this case anti-MAG antibodies played a role in the pathogenesis of small fiber neuropathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / biosynthesis*
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein / immunology*
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / immunology
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / pathology*
  • Polyneuropathies / diagnosis*
  • Polyneuropathies / immunology*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein