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BMC Neurology
Published in: BMC Neurology 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

A retrospective case series of segmental zoster paresis of limbs: clinical, electrophysiological and imaging characteristics

Authors: Ying Liu, Bing-Yun Wu, Zhen-Shen Ma, Juan-Juan Xu, Bing Yang, Heng Li, Rui-Sheng Duan

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Segmental zoster paresis (SZP) of limbs, characterized by focal weakness of extremity, is recognized as a rare complication of herpes zoster (HZ). The following study analyzes the clinical characteristics and data from electromyography and MRI scans in patients with motor weakness after zoster infection.

Methods

One thousand three hundred ninety-three patients from our database (Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital) suffering from HZ were retrospectively reviewed from June 2015 to July 2017. Patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SZP were included in the analysis. The clinical characteristics, as well as electromyography findings and MRI scans were analyzed.

Results

SZP was present in 0.57% of patients with HZ (8/1393). The average age of symptom onset in 8 SZP patients was 69 years old (SD: 13, range 47–87). The severity of muscle weakness ranged from mild to severe. The electrophysiological testing revealed the characteristics of axonopathy. Radiculopathy (2/8), plexopathy (2/8), radiculoplexopathy (3/8) and combined radiculopathy and mononeuropathy (1/8) were also identified. MRI revealed hyperintensity of the affected spinal dorsal horns, nerve roots or peripheral nerves.

Conclusions

SZP is associated with obvious limb weakness, nerve axons lesions and localization to nerve roots, plexus or peripheral nerves.
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Metadata
Title
A retrospective case series of segmental zoster paresis of limbs: clinical, electrophysiological and imaging characteristics
Authors
Ying Liu
Bing-Yun Wu
Zhen-Shen Ma
Juan-Juan Xu
Bing Yang
Heng Li
Rui-Sheng Duan
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-018-1130-4

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