Hereditary Neuropathy with Liability to Pressure Palsies Presenting with Bilateral Brachial Plexopathy after Liposuction - Case Report

Case Report

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2017;19(2):71-75.
Published online December 31, 2017.

Received: 8 May 2017 • Revised: 7 July 2017 • Accepted: 22 August 2017

Abstract

Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by recurrent entrapment neuropathies following an episode of compression or trauma. Reports on bilateral brachial plexopathy of HNPP are rare. We report on a case of a 21-year-old female patient with no past medical history, who presented with sudden paralysis and hypoesthesia of bilateral upper extremities after undergoing liposuction. Clinical and electrodiagnostic tests were consistent with brachial plexopathy. Genetic study for the peripheral myelin protein-22 (PMP22) gene confirmed the diagnosis of HNPP presenting with bilateral brachial plexopathy. This case indicates that HNPP should be suspected in patients with brachial plexopathy when it develops after pressure-leading events such as a minor surgical procedure.

Key Words: HNPP, brachial plexopathy, liposuction