title: Lumbosacral polyradiculopathy mimicking distal polyneuropathy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the relative importance of lumbosacral polyradiculopathy (PR) as a cause of distal lower extremity sensory loss, weakness, and hyporeflexia usually attributed to polyneuropathy (PN). METHODS.: We performed a chart review of all patients referred to our electromyography (EMG) laboratory for evaluation of polyneuropathy over a 23-month period. Requisitions, clinical histories, physical examinations, electromyography results, and subsequent evaluations were reviewed for each case.
  
  
  RESULTS
  : Of 162 cases, 79 (49%) patients had evidence of PN, either alone or in combination with another abnormality. Twenty-two (14%) had findings consistent with PR alone, and an additional 14 patients (8.6%) were found to have simultaneous PR and PN. Of the 11 patients who underwent subsequent magnetic resonance imaging, nine (82%) had prominent lumbar stenosis. An asymmetric sensory examination was more common (p <0.002) in patients with PR than in patients with PN.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  : Lumbosacral PR should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all patients presenting with distal sensory loss, weakness, and hyporeflexia.
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Rutrove
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Nardin
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Raynor
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Landrio