Carbon disulfide induced polyneuropathy: sural nerve pathology, electrophysiology, and clinical correlation

Acta Neurol Scand. 1996 Oct;94(4):258-63. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1996.tb07062.x.

Abstract

We report the clinical features, electrophysiological studies, sural nerve pathology and recovery course of carbon disulfide-(CS2) induced polyneuropathy in a 48-year-old man who worked in a viscose rayon plant. Sural nerve biopsy 2 years later still showed degeneration of both axon and myelin with a predominant loss of large myelinated fibers and remyelination. Electrophysiologic studies revealed mixed axonal and demyelinating polyneuropathy. To our knowledge, this is the first human report of sural nerve pathology in the recovery stage due to CS2 intoxication. After diagnosis, the patient was removed from the toxic environment. In the following three years, he showed part recovery predominantly in motor function compatible with the serial nerve conduction studies. We conclude that CS2 polyneuropathy may partly recover years after cessation of exposure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Axons
  • Biopsy
  • Carbon Disulfide / adverse effects*
  • Demyelinating Diseases
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Middle Aged
  • Myelin Sheath
  • Nerve Degeneration
  • Neural Conduction
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Sural Nerve / physiopathology*
  • Sural Nerve / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Carbon Disulfide