Ann Rehabil Med.  2013 Feb;37(1):127-132. 10.5535/arm.2013.37.1.127.

Motor Axonal Neuropathy Associated With Idiopathic CD4+ T-Lymphocytopenia

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daejin Medical Center Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Seongnam, Korea. 007bora@hanmail.net

Abstract

Idiopathic CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia is a rare immune disorder characterized by an unexplained deficit of CD4+ T cells and results in various opportunistic infections. Herein, we report a case of new onset weakness in a 10-year-old boy secondary to motor axonal neuropathy associated with idiopathic CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia. The patient was referred to rehabilitation for an evaluation of progressive weakness involving all four limbs. A subsequent nerve conduction study and needle electromyography identified motor axonal neuropathy. At that time, laboratory studies specific to the differential diagnosis of motor axonal neuropathy were performed; however, the abnormality noted was a decreased CD4+ T-lymphocyte count. Motor axonal neuropathy represents an uncommon manifestation of idiopathic CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia and is probably associated with an underlying immune process.

Keyword

Axonal neuropathy; Idiopathic CD4-positive T-lymphocytopenia

MeSH Terms

Axons
Diagnosis, Differential
Electromyography
Extremities
Humans
Immune System Diseases
Lymphopenia
Needles
Neural Conduction
Opportunistic Infections
T-Lymphocytes
T-Lymphocytopenia, Idiopathic CD4-Positive
Lymphopenia

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Picture of patient showing severe generalized muscle atrophy.


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