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Neuroimaging in diagnosis of atypical polyradiculoneuropathies: report of three cases and review of the literature

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Abstract

Neuroimaging is increasingly used in the study of peripheral nerve diseases, and sometimes may have a pivotal role in the diagnostic process. We report on three patients with atypical chronic inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) in whom magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nerve Ultrasound (US) were crucial for a correct diagnostic work-out. A literature review on MRI and US in acquired demyelinating polyneuropathies is also provided. Awareness of the imaging features of CIDP will assist in confirmation of the diagnosis, institution of the appropriate therapy, and prevention of inadequate or delayed treatment in atypical CIDP.

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Conflicts of interest

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

    Roberto Gasparotti

  2. Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy

    Marta Lucchetta & Chiara Briani

  3. CEMES, Gruppo Data Medica, EMG Lab, Padua, Italy

    Mario Cacciavillani

  4. Institute of Neurology, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy

    Walter Neri & Carlo Guidi

  5. Section of Neuropathology, Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

    Tiziana Cavallaro & Sergio Ferrari

  6. Institute of Neurology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

    Luca Padua

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  1. Roberto Gasparotti
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Correspondence to Roberto Gasparotti.

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Gasparotti, R., Lucchetta, M., Cacciavillani, M. et al. Neuroimaging in diagnosis of atypical polyradiculoneuropathies: report of three cases and review of the literature. J Neurol 262, 1714–1723 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-015-7770-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-015-7770-z

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