Lymphomatous Neuropathy (Neurolymphomatosis) – a Case Report

Czech version

Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2010; 73/106(6): 725-727
Category: Case Report

Overview

Peripheral neuropathies in the context of a systemic malignancy may have various causes and can manifest at various stages of the development of malignancy. Direct infiltration of peripheral nerves or spinal roots by malignant cells is one of the less frequent causes and occurs particularly in patients with lymphoma or leukaemia, less often with a solid tumour. Peripheral neuropathies occur in 5–8% of patients with lymphoma but direct lymphomatous infiltration of peripheral nerves occurs in only about 0.1–2%. The term “lymphomatous neuropathy” or “neurolymphomatosis” is used for malignant infiltration of the peripheral nervous system by lymphoma and also in leukemia. The infiltration affects both peripheral and cranial nerves, and also spinal roots. These neuropathies may present as painful or painless mononeuropathy, asymmetrical multifocal polyneuropathy (mononeuropathy multiplex) or in diffuse infiltration as symmetric sensory-motor polyneuropathy. A case report of neurolymphomatosis in non-Hodgkin’s B-cell-type lymphoma is presented.

Key words:
lymphoma – lymphomatous neuropathy – neurolymphomatosis – peripheral neuropathy

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