Small fiber abnormalities in skin biopsies of patients with benign fasciculations.

Abstract

To determine whether patients with benign fasciculations have evidence for axonal loss in skin biopsies. Epidermal sensory and sweat gland nerve fiber densities were quantified in skin biopsies of 11 patients with benign fasciculations and no other known cause for neuropathy. Nine of the 11 patients (82%) had significantly reduced epidermal or sweat gland nerve fiber densities at the calf or thigh, in comparison with control values. The presence of reduced epidermal and sweat gland nerve fiber density indicates the presence of axonal loss in patients with benign fasciculations.