Cryoglobulinemic peripheral neuropathy: neurophysiologic evaluation in twenty-two patients

Biomed Pharmacother. 1996;50(8):329-36. doi: 10.1016/s0753-3322(96)89664-8.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and degree of peripheral neuropathy in 22 consecutive patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia, whether symptom-free or with subjective neurological symptoms. Electrophysiological investigations were carried out and a biopsy of the sural nerve was performed in six patients. Peripheral neuropathy of the lower limbs was demonstrated, which was mostly sensory and light or moderate in 86% of cases (19 patients). F-Wave and H-reflex recordings were found to be the most reliable methods; in 77% of cases, they were abnormal (17 patients). Using somatosensory evoked potentials, we were able to exclude simultaneous central nervous system involvement in 10 patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cryoglobulinemia / complications*
  • Electromyography
  • Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory
  • Female
  • H-Reflex
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / complications*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Sural Nerve / pathology