Unexplained muscle atrophy as the unique preceding symptom of bilateral linear morphea
- B C Böckle1,
- J Willeit2,
- M Freund3,
- N T Sepp1
- 1Department of Dermatology, Innsbruck, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
- 2Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
- 3Department of Radiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
- Dr B Böckle, Department of Dermatology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; barbara.boeckle{at}i-med.ac.at
- Accepted 27 July 2008
In 2000, a 30-year-old man presented with 1-year history of a left-sided extensor weakness of his upper limb. Pre-existing illness, trauma and hereditary neuromuscular diseases were denied.
On physical examination, his left triceps muscle appeared atrophic. The muscle strength of the elbow extensors and the left triceps reflex were diminished. He had no pain and no sensory disturbances. MRT of the cervical spine and the NLG (left median, radial nerve) were inconspicuous. EMG revealed neuropathic changes in triceps brachii muscle. No diagnosis was established, and follow-ups demonstrated a stable course.
In 2002, the patient was reassessed without any further findings. Several differential diagnoses were …
