[Pauci-symptomatic sensory polyneuropathy in Refsum's disease]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 1996 Jun-Jul;152(6-7):469-72.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Refsum's disease is an autosomal recessive disease caused by defective alpha-oxidation of phytanic acid. The usual clinical presentation is the association of retinitis pigmentosa, ataxia and chronic severe sensorimotor polyneuropathy. A case of mild purely sensory neuropathy in a 40-year-old patient associated to high CSF protein level led to the diagnosis of Refsum's disease. The paucity of sensory symptoms and signs of neuropathy contrasted with severe reduction of motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities and markedly signs of sensory neuropathy observed in the nerve biopsy. Typical ring-scotomas, retinitis pigmentosa, anosmia, deafness, and high plasma phytanic acid level were present in extensive examination. There was no other case in the family.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diet
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Musculocutaneous Nerve / pathology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / therapy
  • Plasmapheresis
  • Psychomotor Disorders / etiology*
  • Psychomotor Disorders / physiopathology
  • Psychomotor Disorders / therapy
  • Refsum Disease / complications*
  • Refsum Disease / physiopathology
  • Refsum Disease / therapy