[Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy presenting localized radiculopathy as an initial symptom].

We reported a patient with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), presenting localized radiculopathy as an initial symptom. The patient, a 38-year-old man, developed muscle atrophy of right shin and calf. In April 1988, neurological examination revealed decreased superficial sensation and muscle atrophy in right L-4 distribution. MRI of the lumbar spinal cord and myelography were negative. In April 1989, he was admitted to Chiba University Hospital. There were slight weakness of right ankle extension and flexion, muscle atrophy of bilateral shin and calf (that of the right leg was more marked), decreased sensation of polyneuropathy type in all modalities and generalized hypo- or a-reflexia. Nerve conduction study revealed marked prolongation of F response and focal conduction block in various site. The CSF was acellular and total protein was 177 mg/dl. Sural nerve biopsy disclosed decreased number of large myelinated fibers and scattered thin myelinated fibers. This case indicates that CIDP may present localized radiculopathy in early phase and is important to point out various mode of onset among CIDP.