Electron microscopy as a tool for the diagnosis of neuropathies

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Ann Pathol. 2008 Dec;28(6):486-94.

Electron microscopy as a tool for the diagnosis of neuropathies

Vallat JM, L, Sindou P, Magy L.

Service de neurologie, CHU Dupuytren, 2, avenue -Luther-King,

87042 Limoges, France.

Ultrastructural examination of a peripheral nerve biopsy may be

particularly useful and sometimes indispensable for identification of

the type of nerve lesion and of the aetiologies of peripheral

neuropathies. The ultrastructural findings have, anyway, to be

correlated with the clinical findings, the electrophysiological

examination and the laboratory investigations.

In this presentation, the various causes of peripheral neuropathies

for which nerve biopsy study by electron microscope can provide

diagnostic information are discussed. The principal aetiologies that

will benefit from such an ultrastructural study are toxic,

infectious, haemopathic and storage disorders.

Chiefly for Charcot-Marie-Tooth sporadic cases, there are still

indications for nerve biopsy to orientate diagnostic research in

molecular biology. Sometimes, the electron microscopic examination

will help to determine not only the cause of the peripheral

neuropathy, but also the mechanism of nerve lesions which may induce

specific and efficient treatments.