Neuroradiologic and neurophysiologic findings of neuralgic amyotrophy

Abstract

Objective: Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a distinct clinical syndrome that is characterized by the acute onset of shoulder and arm pain, weakness, and sensory loss. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics of NA and to determine appropriate diagnostic modalities. Methods: We reviewed the medical and radiologic records of 10 patients diagnosed with NA retrospectively. Neurophysiologic studies were performed in all patients and magnetic resonance neurography was performed in the last three patients. Results: A total of 10 patients were enrolled in our study. All patients had clinical findings compatible with NA. The most common clinical presentation was severe shoulder pain and weakness in seven patients (70%). Neurophysiologic study results were abnormal in all patients. Brachial plexus magnetic resonance neurography showed that the affected brachial plexus showed a thickened and hyper-intense trunk. All patients were managed conservatively with analgesics and physical therapy. The pain and paralysis of all patients improved clinically within 6 months of the initiation of treatment. Conclusion: NA is a rare disease but the symptoms of NA can mimic those of other diseases. Neurophysiologic studies and magnetic resonance neurography are extremely useful tools for the diagnosis of NA. © 2010 The Korean Neurosurgical Society.