Chronic Immune-Mediated Polyneuropathies

Clin Geriatr Med. 2021 May;37(2):327-345. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2021.01.006. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

Abstract

This article discusses the chronic immune-mediated polyneuropathies, a broad category of acquired polyneuropathies that encompasses chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), the most common immune-mediated neuropathy, the CIDP variants, and the vasculitic neuropathies. Polyneuropathies associated with rheumatological diseases and systemic inflammatory diseases, such as sarcoidosis, will also be briefly covered. These patients' history, examination, serum studies, and electrodiagnostic studies, as well as histopathological findings in the case of vasculitis, confirm the diagnosis and differentiate them from the more common length-dependent polyneuropathies. Prompt identification and initiation of treatment is imperative for these chronic immune-mediated polyneuropathies to prevent disability and even death.

Keywords: CIDP; Multifocal acquired sensory and motor polyneuropathy; Multifocal motor neuropathy; Vasculitic neuropathy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Electrodiagnosis
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / adverse effects
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Polyneuropathies* / diagnosis
  • Polyneuropathies* / immunology
  • Polyneuropathies* / therapy
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating* / diagnosis
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating* / therapy

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous