Peripheral neuropathy and testosterone.
A 265 lb. (body mass index, 38.1) male elite bodybuilder suffered focal muscle atrophy that developed in his right vastus lateralis muscle within a month following a painful self-administered injection of testosterone. The subject did not lose any sensory or motor function immediately after the injection; however after several days to weeks, muscle atrophy and paresthesia ensued. The subject had an obvious atrophic zone in the right vastus lateralis muscle with approximately 40% loss of strength when compared to the left leg. In our view, the neuropraxia developed from direct neurotoxic effect of androgens or pressure exerted upon the nerve following injection of a bolus of liquid. This report is indicative of the many potential dangers associated with unsupervised androgen use which may include androgens as potential neurotoxins.
Dickerman
R D
RD
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth 76107-2609, USA.
Kramer
E
E
Pertusi
R
R
McConathy
W J
WJ
D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000139:chemically induced; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D013739:Testosterone / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013739:Testosterone