[Autoimmune peripheral neuropathies with anti-MAG antibodies and hematological disorders. Five cases]

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to report our experience with autoimmune neuropathies associated with hematological disorders and to describe their etiological and clinical polymorphism.

Patients and methods: A retrospective study was conducted in five patients with autoimmune peripheral neuropathies with anti-MAG (myelin-associated glycoprotein) antibodies.

Results: Autoimmune neuropathies were associated with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (n=2), Hodgkin disease (n=1), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n=1) and idiopathic polyclonal B lymphoproliferation (n=1). Most of the patients had a sensorial polyneuropathy, predominant in the legs, exhibiting slow progress. Our patients showed a disappointing response to chemotherapy with stabilization or short response.