Subacute idiopathic demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

Seven cases of subacute idiopathic demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy had a monophasic illness characterized by progressive weakness of all four limbs that evolved during 4 to 8 weeks. Neurophysiological investigations implied demyelination in all seven cases. In two patients, sural nerve biopsy specimens that were taken showed macrophage-associated demyelination. All patients made substantial or complete recoveries with oral prednisolone (four cases) or without treatment (three cases). None of the patients required ventilation or had autonomic complications. These cases provide a link between the acute idiopathic demyelinating form of Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic idiopathic demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.