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01-02-2020 | Vasculitis | Original Article

Sural nerve biopsy in peripheral neuropathies: 30-year experience from a single center

Authors: Marco Luigetti, Andrea Di Paolantonio, Giulia Bisogni, Angela Romano, Amelia Conte, Francesco Barbato, Alessandra Del Grande, Francesca Madia, Paolo Maria Rossini, Liverana Lauretti, Mario Sabatelli

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 2/2020

Abstract

Introduction

Nerve biopsy has been widely used to investigate patients with peripheral neuropathy, and in many centers, it is still a useful diagnostic tool in this setting. In this study, we reviewed the histopathological spectrum of the nerve biopsies performed in our center in a 30-year period and we analyzed their relevance in the clinical setting.

Materials and methods

Retrospective analysis of the retrieved data was done for cases of nerve biopsies performed in our institute between 1988 and 2018. Surgical technique and histopathological analysis were done accordingly to standard protocol.

Results

Complete clinical and pathological data were available only for 717 cases. The procedure was generally safe, with only 0.3% superimposed infection. Main pathological results were “unspecific” axonal polyneuropathy (49.8%), vasculitis neuropathy (9.3%), acquired demyelinating neuropathy (8.9%), and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (8.2%). Considering clinical-neurophysiological suspicion of vasculitis, nerve biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in 60.9% of cases.

Discussion

In conclusion, for inherited neuropathies, we do not recommend this invasive procedure, but we strongly suggest a genetic test. Conversely, in vasculitic neuropathies or in dysimmune neuropathies not clearly confirmed by neurophysiological examination, nerve biopsy continues to represent a useful and irreplaceable tool.

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Title: Sural nerve biopsy in peripheral neuropathies: 30-year experience from a single center
Authors: Marco Luigetti
Andrea Di Paolantonio
Giulia Bisogni
Angela Romano
Amelia Conte
Francesco Barbato
Alessandra Del Grande
Francesca Madia
Paolo Maria Rossini
Liverana Lauretti
Mario Sabatelli
Publication date: 01-02-2020
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Vasculitis
Vasculitis
Polyneuropathy
Amyloidosis
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-019-04082-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Sural nerve biopsy in peripheral neuropathies: 30-year experience from a single center

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Discussion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Discussion

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