Somatosensory-evoked cortical potential during attacks of paroxysmal dysesthesia in multiple sclerosis

A case report of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease with paroxysmal peripheral neuropathy-like onset lacking typical signs on diffusion-weighted imaging

Background

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by eosinophilic hyaline intranuclear inclusions and the GGC repeats in the 5'-untranslated region of NOTCH2NLC. The prevalent presence of high-intensity signal along the corticomedullary junction on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) helps to recognize this heterogeneous disease despite of highly variable clinical manifestations. However, patients without the typical sign on DWI are often misdiagnosed. Besides, there are no reports of NIID patients presenting with paroxysmal peripheral neuropathy-like onset to date.

Case presentation

We present a patient with NIID who suffered recurrent transient numbness in arms for 17 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed diffuse, bilateral white matter lesions without typical subcortical DWI signals. Electrophysiological studies revealed mixed demyelinating and axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathies involving four extremities. After excluding differential diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy through body fluid tests and a sural nerve biopsy, NIID was confirmed by a skin biopsy and the genetic analysis of NOTCH2NLC.

Conclusion

This case innovatively demonstrates that NIID could manifest as paroxysmal peripheral neuropathy-like onset, and addresses the electrophysiological characteristics of NIID in depth. We broaden the clinical spectrum of NIID and provide new insights into its differential diagnosis from the perspective of peripheral neuropathy.

Paroxysmal Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis-A Review of the Literature

Paroxysmal symptoms are well-recognized manifestations of multiple sclerosis (MS). These are characterized by multiple, brief, sudden onset, and stereotyped episodes. They manifest as motor, sensory, visual, brainstem, and autonomic symptoms. When occurring in the setting of an established MS, the diagnosis is relatively straightforward. Conversely, the diagnosis is significantly more challenging when they occur as the initial manifestation of MS. The aim of this review is to summarize the various forms of paroxysmal symptoms reported in MS, with emphasis on the clinical features, radiological findings and treatment options.

Focal amyotrophy in multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

The assumption that multiple sclerosis (MS) is purely a white matter disease has been challenged in recent years by observations of axonal damage and neuronal loss in gray matter of the cortex, subcortex, and spinal cord.

METHODS

We report the case of a 71-year-old man with primary progressive MS and longstanding right arm weakness who presented with intermittent right arm pain.

RESULTS

Neurological examination showed atrophy, weakness, and hyporeflexia, and electromyography (EMG) showed acute and chronic partial denervation in multiple segments of the right arm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated asymmetric volume loss and increased T2 signal in the right anterior spinal cord from C3 to C7, with no evidence of nerve root compression.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower motor neuron involvement of his right arm was caused by MS with involvement of either the anterior horn cells or the intraspinal motor nerve roots.