Contribution of Nerve Biopsy to Unclassified Neuropathy

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Eur Neurol. 2006 Dec 15;57(2):86-90

Contribution of Nerve Biopsy to Unclassified Neuropathy.

Schweikert K, Fuhr P, Probst A, Tolnay M, Renaud S, Steck AJ.

Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel,

Switzerland.

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic yield of nerve biopsy in

patients with peripheral neuropathy of undetermined cause despite

extensive diagnostic workup.

Methods: From November 2001 through January 2004, 38 patients

underwent nerve biopsy because of unclassified neuropathy. Results:

The etiology of the neuropathies could be defined in 14 patients

(37%), i.e. in 15% of chronic symmetric, 30% of chronic asymmetric,

50% of subacute symmetric and 62.5% of subacute asymmetric

neuropathies. The biopsy was diagnostic in 6 patients (16%), where

it showed a vasculitis, and supportive in 8 patients (21%).

Conclusions: The contribution of nerve biopsy to the diagnosis of

peripheral neuropathy was highest in acute and subacute asymmetric

forms of neuropathy and lowest in chronic symmetric forms. The main

indication for nerve biopsy remains the diagnosis of vasculitic

neuropathy, a potentially treatable disorder.