Recurrent familial neuropathy due to liability to pressure palsies.

Abstract

Two families with hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) were evaluated clinically, electrophysiologically and pathologically (2 index cases). Familial patterns suggest autosomal dominant inheritance. The clinical presentation is characteristic, with recurrent painless transitory mononeuropathy, without evident triggering factors, or caused by trivial trauma or pressure. In affected members neurophysiological studies showed diffuse slowing in nerve conduction, more evident at common sites of entrapment. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) showed bilateral peripheral abnormalities with proximal nerve involvement more pronounced in older patients. 40 to 75% of teased fibers displayed sausage-shaped swellings. Ultrastructurally some sausages showed redundant myelin loops and excessive number of myelin lamellae that seem to cause axonal constriction.