CHRONIC RELAPSING AXONAL NEUROPATHY - A FIRST CASE-REPORT

A relapsing and remitting axonal polyneuropathy developed in a woman at age 47. Serial electrophysiological studies showed that the amplitudes of compound muscle action potentials and sensory action potentials were reduced but conduction velocities were only mildly slowed. F wave latencies were normal and there was no evidence of conduction block. Two sural nerve biopsy specimens showed changes supportive of axonal neuropathy. Repeated responses to prednisolone alone and later prednisolone and azathioprine suggested that inflammatory, possibly autoimmune, processes were important in this case of chronic relapsing axonal neuropathy.