Multifocal conduction block in a patient with sarcoid neuropathy: successful treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin

Intern Med. 2013;52(9):999-1002. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.52.7788. Epub 2012 Mar 1.

Abstract

A 54-year-old-woman with sarcoidosis presented with progressive symmetric, predominantly distal weakness and sensory dysfunction with areflexia in all four limbs. Nerve conduction studies showed multifocal conduction blocks in several nerves. Oral steroids were ineffective; however, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy rapidly and repeatedly improved the patient's neurologic symptoms with a resolution of the conduction blocks. Multifocal conduction blocks are not frequently reported in patients with sarcoid neuropathy, but they may respond to early treatment with IVIG.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arm / innervation
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Hand Strength
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Leg / innervation
  • Middle Aged
  • Mobility Limitation
  • Neural Conduction
  • Paresthesia / etiology
  • Polyneuropathies / diagnosis
  • Polyneuropathies / drug therapy
  • Polyneuropathies / etiology*
  • Polyneuropathies / therapy
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating / diagnosis
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Recovery of Function
  • Reflex, Abnormal
  • Sarcoidosis / complications*
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / physiology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Prednisolone