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Gérard Said, MD

Arch Neurol. 2002;59:1532-1535.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

INTRODUCTION

Progress in neurophysiology and neurogenetics as well as previous neuropathological findings have all improved our knowledge of the pathophysiological characteristics of peripheral nerve disorders.^1-3 Thanks to these improvements, the indications of nerve biopsy have decreased during the past decade, making this invasive procedure unnecessary in the vast majority of patients with peripheral neuropathy.

However, a recent prospective study has shown that nerve biopsy improves treatment in an estimated 60% of patients,⁴ a figure close to that of an earlier retrospective study.⁵ The yield of nerve biopsy depends on a number of factors, including selection of patients, expertise of the laboratory, and techniques used. In this article, I will briefly review the main indications and factors that can increase the usefulness of nerve biopsy.

SELECTION OF PATIENTS

When performed in unselected patients with peripheral neuropathy, nerve biopsy can be very disappointing because of the lack of specificity of nerve fiber lesions. . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Hereditary Neuropathies

Acquired Neuropathies

Distal, Symmetrical Polyneuropathies

Multifocal Neuropathies

Vasculitic Neuropathies. Focal and Multifocal Neuropathies in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus. Leprous Neuropathy. Other Causes of Multifocal Neuropathies. Acquired Demyelinating Polyneuropathies

SELECTING THE NERVE TO BIOPSY

NERVE SPECIMEN PROCESSING

EPIDERMAL NERVE BIOPSY

From the Neurology Service and the Louis Ranvier Laboratory, Bicêtre University Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Sud University, Paris, France.

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