Subacute proximal diabetic neuropathy.
The results of clinical, electrophysiologic, and histologic studies in three patients with a type of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, subacute proximal diabetic neuropathy (diabetic amyotrophy), are presented. On the basis of our findings, we suggest that diabetic amyotrophy is a clinical and pathologic entity separate from mononeuritis multiplex. These patients have a generalized neuropathy, and it is postulated that disordered neuron-axonal metabolism forms the basis for the pathologic and clinical changes. Histochemical changes in the muscle biopsy showed type 1 predominance. We suggest that this phenomenon represents a conversion of surviving fibers of whatever type, to a type 1 oxidative metabolism because of the change in use of these fibers.
D000368:Aged; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000209:etiology; D009431:Neural Conduction; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000473:pathology