Chapter 36 Peripheral neuropathies associated with plasma cell dyscrasias

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the electrophysiologic and pathological findings encountered with the Plasma cell dyscrasias (PCD)-associated neuropathies. Information of the immunological aspects of the monoclonal gammopathies is vastly expanding and shedding light on the pathogenetic relationship of the monoclonal proteins and paraproteinemic neuropathies. Though they are diverse in presentation, these neuropathies are classifiable according to key clinical and electrodiagnostic features detectable by the clinician. Though diverse in presentation, there are certain clinical and electrodiagnostic features that may guide the clinician. The pathogenetic relationship of the M-protein, although well established in some syndromes, is more often ill defined. Familiarity with the characteristic and electrophysiologic features of each will enable the clinician to recognize these disorders. Appropriate management is usually aimed at suppressing the monoclonal protein if there is proven anti-nerve antibody activity. Careful study of these patients will lead to a better understanding of these neuropathies and may help in the search for more beneficial treatments in the management of these immune-mediated polyneuropathy.