INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread pain often accompanied by other symptoms suggestive of neuropathic pain. We evaluated patients for small fiber neuropathy (SFN) who were referred for fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: We studied 20 consecutive subjects with primary FM. Patients underwent neurological examination, nerve conduction studies, and skin biopsies from distal leg and thigh. RESULTS: Electrodiagnostic studies were normal in all patients. SFN was diagnosed in 6 patients by reduced epidermal nerve fiber density. These patients also showed abnormalities of both adrenergic and cholinergic fibers. CONCLUSIONS: A subset of FM subjects have SFN, which may contribute to their sensory and autonomic symptoms. Skin biopsy should be considered in the diagnostic work-up of FM.
INTRODUCTION:Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread pain often accompanied by other symptoms suggestive of neuropathic pain. We evaluated patients for small fiber neuropathy (SFN) who were referred for fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: We studied 20 consecutive subjects with primary FM. Patients underwent neurological examination, nerve conduction studies, and skin biopsies from distal leg and thigh. RESULTS: Electrodiagnostic studies were normal in all patients. SFN was diagnosed in 6 patients by reduced epidermal nerve fiber density. These patients also showed abnormalities of both adrenergic and cholinergic fibers. CONCLUSIONS: A subset of FM subjects have SFN, which may contribute to their sensory and autonomic symptoms. Skin biopsy should be considered in the diagnostic work-up of FM.
Authors: N Üçeyler; M Burgmer; E Friedel; W Greiner; F Petzke; M Sarholz; M Schiltenwolf; A Winkelmann; C Sommer; W Häuser Journal: Schmerz Date: 2017-06 Impact factor: 1.107
Authors: Roni M Shtein; Daniel E Harper; Vincent Pallazola; Steven E Harte; Munira Hussain; Alan Sugar; David A Williams; Daniel J Clauw Journal: Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc Date: 2016-08