Multifocal motor neuropathy with high titers of anti‐MAG antibodies |
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Authors: | Claire Bridel Judit Horvath Mary Kurian André Truffert Andreas Steck Patrice H. Lalive |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurology, Geneva University Hospital, , Geneva, Switzerland;2. Department of Pediatrics, Geneva University Hospital, , Geneva, Switzerland;3. Department of Neurology, Basel University Hospital, , Basel, Switzerland;4. Department of Genetics and Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory Medicine Service, Geneva University Hospital, , Geneva, Switzerland |
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Abstract: | Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) and anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein (anti‐MAG)‐associated neuropathy are clinically and electrophysiologically distinct entities. We describe a patient with characteristic features of both neuropathies, raising the possibility of an overlap syndrome. A 49‐year‐old patient reported a history of slowly progressive predominantly distal tetraparesis, with mild sensory deficits. Nerve conduction studies demonstrated persistent motor conduction blocks outside compression sites, typical of MMN. Laboratory findings revealed persistently high titers of anti‐MAG immunoglobulin Mλ (IgMλ) paraprotein in the context of a monoclonal gammapathy of unknown significance. Skin biopsy of distal lower limb revealed IgM positive terminal nerve perineurium deposits. This case suggests that the distinction between subtypes of chronic inflammatory neuropathies may not be as clear as initially thought, and that the pattern of pathogenicity of anti‐MAG antibodies may vary. |
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Keywords: | anti‐MAG neuropathy immune‐mediated peripheral neuropathy multifocal motor neuropathies |
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