Neuropathy associated with hyperlipidemia.

We describe six patients with painful polyneuropathy associated with hyperlipidemia. Each had mild, slowly progressive neuropathy characterized by pain in feet, without proximal extension or involvement of hands. Weakness and autonomic symptoms and signs were absent. Three patients had normal tendon reflexes; three others had decreased ankle reflexes. Serum cholesterol levels were moderately increased; serum triglyceride levels were exceedingly high. In one patient, symptoms resolved with correction of hypertriglyceridemia. No other cause of peripheral neuropathy was found. Marked increases in serum triglycerides may cause painful small-fiber neuropathy.