[The neuropathies of IgM monoclonal gammopathies].

A peripheral polyneuropathy is often associated with an IgM monoclonal gammapathy. The monoclonal protein often binds to carbohydrate epitopes on glycoproteins and/or glycolipids of the human peripheral nerve. The clinical syndrome is related to the antigen-specificity of the IgM protein. Detection of anti-myelin antibodies and further characterization of their immunogenic specificity provide an important aid in the differential diagnosis of late-onset chronic polyneuropathies.