Electrodiagnostic Findings Heralding Neoplastic Brachial Plexopathy

Abstract

The brachial plexus is one of the most complicated anatomic structures of the peripheral nervous system, and optimal electrodiagnostic assessment may require extensive testing with nonroutine and contralateral nerve conduction studies [1,2]. Because of the proximity of the brachial plexus to the lung apices, neoplastic brachial plexopathy is not uncommon in association with lung cancer as a result of contiguous or lymphatic spread [3]. Sensory nerve conduction studies are critical to help identify and localize milder axonal loss, particularly in proximal processes such as brachial plexopathy. We describe the electrodiagnostic findings in 3 cases of neoplastic lower brachial plexopathy to highlight the value of sensory nerve conduction study findings in the identification and localization of neoplastic brachial plexus involvement.