Sural mononeuropathy: a report of 36 cases

Muscle Nerve. 2014 Mar;49(3):443-5. doi: 10.1002/mus.24107. Epub 2014 Feb 12.

Abstract

Introduction: Isolated sural mononeuropathy is rare and frequently constitutes a diagnostic challenge.

Methods: This investigation was a retrospective study of sural neuropathy at a single electrodiagnostic center.

Results: Our study included 36 patients with sural neuropathy, the largest sample so far reported. Non-surgical, non-traumatic etiologies account for 50% of the cases, including 7 patients with inflammatory or vasculitic conditions. Routine sural conduction study was positive in 34 of 36 patients, whereas a distal recording method was used to verify the diagnosis of sural mononeuropathy in 2 patients. Most (58%) patients did not require specific treatment, but persistent sensory symptoms were seen in a minority of cases. Sural nerve biopsy in 1 patient helped diagnostic and treatment planning.

Conclusions: Sural mononeuropathy has distinct etiologic, clinical, and electrophysiological features. Recognition can be beneficial in treating patients with sensory symptoms involving the distal lower extremity.

Keywords: electromyography; nerve conduction study; neuropathy; sural mononeuropathy; sural nerve.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Electrodiagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mononeuropathies / pathology*
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Sural Nerve / pathology*
  • Sural Nerve / physiopathology*