ISSN:
1432-0533
Keywords:
Key words Macroglobulinemia
;
Neuropathy
;
Blood-nerve barrier
;
HNK-1 epitope
;
Endothelial cell
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract We report the pathologic findings in a patient with sensorimotor neuropathy associated with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, particularly in relation to blood-nerve barrier defects. The monoclonal IgM was of κ type and possessed anti-HNK-1 activity. A sural nerve biopsy specimen revealed severe loss of myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers and gaps between adjacent endothelial cells of small endoneurial vessels. Postmortem findings 3 years later included severe loss of myelinated nerve fibers and diffuse infiltration by lymphoplasmacytic B cells throughout the peripheral nervous system, sparing the central nervous system. Findings in this case suggest an immune attack against endoneurial endothelial cells with permeation of IgM into peripheral nerve tissue.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004010050785
Permalink
