The electroneurophysiological evaluation of Rheumatoid Arthritis patients

Abstract

In Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), one clinical hallmark of the vasculitis is the appearance of neurological findings. However, it is often difficult to diagnose these slight or early neuropathies and the study of the peripheral neuromuscular system is often made difficult by symptoms resulting from pain in the joints, and limitations of movement. It is nevertheless often possible, by means of electroneuromyography to show objectively the existence and distribution of even subclinical neuropathies. In order to evaluate the neurophysiological functions of RA patients by means of the peripheral nerve conduction and somatosensory evoked potential studies, 33 RA patients and 20 healthy controls were included in this study. Two (6%) patients were found to have carpal tunnel syndrome, while 6 (18%) patients had mononeuritis multiplex. Delayed N12, N13, N1 and P1 latencies were detected in 6 (18%) of 33 RA patients suggesting central nervous system involvement with intact peripheral nervous system. Our results confirm earlier observations that symptoms of neuropathy are fairly common in cases of RA without there being any clear correlation with any clinical variable. Therefore, the inclusion of an electroneurophysiologic examination of the RA patients is recommended in routine diagnostic procedure.

Peripheral Neuropathy In Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Hospital Based Study

“…It is often difficult to diagnose these early neuropathies clinically due to symptoms resulting from pain in the joints and limitation of movement. However by means of electroneuromyography, it is possible to show objectively the existence and distribution of even subclinical neuropathies 6 .…”

Bilateral Ganglion Cyst Located in the Elbow Joint in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…Kistin döşemesinde sinovial hücre bulunmaması nedeni ile gangliyon kistleri gerçek kist olarak değerlendirilmemekte-dir. 14,15 Ayrıca, mikroskobik çalışmalarda gerek kist duvarında gerekse kist çevresinde herhangi bir inflamatuar hücreye rastlanmamıştır. 16 Bunu, RA'lı hastalarda eklemlerdeki kronik inflamasyonun direkt etki ile değil, eklem içi basıncı artır-mak suretiyle gangliyon kisti oluşumuna yatkınlık yarattığı şeklinde yorumlayabiliriz.…”

Ankylosing Spondylitis with Peripheral Neuropathy - A Rare Case Report

“…5,6 Patients with evident joint pain can describe additional symptoms like muscle weakness and paresthesia that can suggest neuropathy. [7][8][9][10] The peripheral nervous system can as well be involved as the central nervous system in asymptomatic AS patients. changes of both diseases are present along with the investigation.…”