Abstract Details

Neurophysiological abnormalities in neurolymphomatosis: A case series

Neurolymphomatosis is a rare complication of lymphoma involving direct invasion of lymphoma cells into the peripheral nervous system. We retrospectively studied neurophysiology of 6 pathologically-proven cases of neurolymphomatosis (4 diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLCBL), 1 intravascular large B cell lymphoma and 1 lymphoplasmocytic lymphoma) who had multiple follow-up studies over periods ranging from 12 to 64 months. The number of studies per patient varied from 2 to 4 each. All 4 cases of DLCBL show an asymmetrical sensorimotor neuropathy / multiple mononeuropathies. In 2 cases, there is evidence of transient motor conduction block at one or more sites with subsequent evidence of residual motor axonopathy indicating Wallerian degeneration; this was demonstrated on repeat study just 9 days later in one case. These cases illustrate evolution of multifocal nerve involvement, which can mimic focal demyelinating lesions and ought to be recognised. Neurophysiological appearances can be misinterpreted as inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies (e.g. CIDP/MMNCB) and we emphasise the importance of repeat studies where there is a clinical suspicion of lymphoma at short intervals in order to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and delay to appropriate management.

TitleForenamesSurnameInstitutionLead AuthorPresenter
DrArjunaNagendranNational Hospital of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Queen Square
DrAislingCarrNational Hospital of Neurology, Queen Square
DrZaneJaunmuktaneNational Hospital of Neurology & Neurosurgery
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