S-1 radiculopathy as a possible predisposing factor in focal myositis with unilateral hypertrophy of the calf muscles.
Associated with chronic S-1 radiculopathy, a 44-year-old man developed unilateral hypertrophy of the calf muscles. Electromyography revealed neurogenic alterations in the corresponding limb compatible with S-1 radiculopathy. In addition, MR-tomographic and bioptic findings were consistent with a focal inflammatory myopathy of the enlarged right gastrocnemius muscle. Predisposing factors for the localisation of a focal myositis are unknown. This case report highlights the diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing focal myositis and denervation hypertrophy following S-1 radiculopathy or secondary inflammation related to denervation. We consider the possibility that in our case the inflammatory process might have been triggered by electromyographically proven chronic denervation related to radiculopathy.
Gobbelé
R
R
Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinik der RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52057, Aachen, Germany.
Schoen
S W
SW
Schröder
J M
JM
Vorwerk
D
D
Schwarz
M
M
D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D007796:Laminectomy; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009220:Myositis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000150:complications*; D013382:Subtraction Technique