Segmental hyperhidrosis as a manifestation of spinal and paraspinal disease.
BACKGROUND
Segmental hyperhidrosis is an uncommon finding which is usually associated with irritation or infiltration of pre-ganglionic sympathetic fibres or the sympathetic chain.


METHODS
We report two cases of segmental hyperhidrosis with striking clinical features.


RESULTS
In one case, a mesothelioma produced ipsilateral simultaneous underactivity and overactivity of sympathetic outflow and in the other case a thoracic central disc herniation was probably responsible for a band of sweating which clearly extended beyond the segmental level of injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Segmental hyperhidrosis should trigger a search for structural disease in the spinal and paraspinal region.
Schulz
V
V
Department of Anesthesia, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Ward
D
D
Moulin
D E
DE
D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000209:etiology*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed