ABSTRACT
The frequency of the association between CIDP and CNS lesions is probably underestimated. To assess the frequency of CNS involvement in CIDP patients, and to study the characteristics of this possible association. Forty patients [20 males, and 20 females] aged between 19 and 50 years [mean 33.12 +/- 9.3 years] fulfilling the clinical, neurophysiological and CSF criteria of INCAT for the diagnosis of CIDP were submitted to complete general and neurological assessment, laboratory investigations, CSF analysis, neurophysiological evaluation [NC studies, evoked potentials [VEPs, BAEPs, SSEPs]], and MRI brain and spinal cord. Clinical evidences of CNS involvement were recorded in 12 patients [30%] of CIDP patients, abnormally delayed VEPs latencies were recorded in 16 patients [40%], abnormal BAEP latencies in 12 patients [30%], abnormal SSEP latencies in 22 patients [55%], and abnormal latencies in more than one modality in 13 patients [32.5%], MRIs brain and spinal cord were abnormal in 10 patients [25%]. CIDP patients with clinical and/or radiological evidences of CNS involvement had a significantly younger age of disease onset, more frequent relapsing-remitting pattern of the disease course, more prolonged disease duration, and less favorable response to therapy than those without evidences of CNS involvement. CIDP patients with delayed evoked potentials' latencies and/or MRI demyelinating lesions were more frequent in CIDP patients with clinical evidences of CNS involvement. Moreover, MRI lesions were more frequent in those having abnormal visual evoked potential responses. Finally, there was a percentage of CIPD patients who showed a subclinical central neurophysiological and/or radiological abnormalities. CIDP is frequently associated with various clinical, neurophysiological and radiological evidences of CNS involvement. MRI and evoked potentials are useful non-invasive techniques for demonstrating this association