Lewis-Sumner syndrome in hepatitis C virus infection: a possible pathogenetic association with therapeutic problems

Muscle Nerve. 2006 Jul;34(1):116-21. doi: 10.1002/mus.20517.

Abstract

A patient with chronic hepatitis from hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection developed Lewis-Sumner syndrome (LSS). The neuropathy worsened after intravenous immunoglobulins, remitted after intravenous methylprednisolone, relapsed during interferon-alpha, but responded again to steroids continued for 68 weeks with clinical remission and without worsening of hepatitis. We are not aware of other reports of HCV infection and LSS. This association may be coincidental or related to a virus-triggered immune-mediated process. Although the coexistence of a dysimmune neuropathy with hepatitis makes problematic the choice of treatment, we emphasize that the patient's condition during treatment with steroids and the 46 following weeks without therapy has been excellent.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Demyelinating Diseases / etiology*
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Elbow / innervation
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hepacivirus / pathogenicity*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Weakness / drug therapy
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology*
  • Muscle Weakness / virology
  • Neural Conduction / drug effects
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Sensation Disorders / drug therapy
  • Sensation Disorders / etiology*
  • Sensation Disorders / virology
  • Steroids / therapeutic use
  • Time Factors
  • Wrist / innervation

Substances

  • Steroids