Concordance between epidermal nerve fiber density and sensory examination in patients with symptoms of idiopathic small fiber neuropathy

Abstract Quantitation of epidermal nerve fiber (ENF) density is an objective diagnostic test of small fiber neuropathy (SFN). For a diagnostic test to be clinically useful it should correspond well with clinically meaningful physical findings. We performed a retrospective analysis of the concordance...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the neurological sciences 2007-04, Vol.255 (1), p.23-26
Main Authors: Walk, David, Wendelschafer-Crabb, Gwen, Davey, Cynthia, Kennedy, William R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
Biopsy
Cranial nerves. Spinal roots. Peripheral nerves. Autonomic nervous system. Gustation. Olfaction
Epidermal nerve fiber density
Epidermis - innervation
Epidermis - pathology
Epidermis - physiopathology
Female
Humans
Injuries of the nervous system and the skull. Diseases due to physical agents
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated - pathology
Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes)
Neurology
Nociceptors - pathology
Nociceptors - physiopathology
Pain - diagnosis
Pain - physiopathology
Pain Threshold - physiology
Painful neuropathy
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - diagnosis
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - physiopathology
Pinprick testing
Predictive Value of Tests
Retrospective Studies
Sensory Receptor Cells - pathology
Sensory Receptor Cells - physiopathology
Skin biopsy
Small fiber neuropathy
Somatosensory Disorders - diagnosis
Somatosensory Disorders - physiopathology
Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
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Description
Summary:Abstract Quantitation of epidermal nerve fiber (ENF) density is an objective diagnostic test of small fiber neuropathy (SFN). For a diagnostic test to be clinically useful it should correspond well with clinically meaningful physical findings. We performed a retrospective analysis of the concordance between foot ENF density and clinical findings in all patients seen at our institution with possible idiopathic SFN who underwent skin biopsy for ENF density determination. We found a high concordance between reduced foot ENF density and loss of pinprick sensitivity in this patient population. Our findings indicate that ENF density determination is a clinically relevant objective test in patients undergoing evaluation for possible SFN.
ISSN:0022-510X
1878-5883
DOI:10.1016/j.jns.2007.01.052