Diabetic thoracic polyradiculopathy: ten patients with abdominal pain

Abstract

Objectives: Abdominal pain caused by diabetic thoracic polyradiculopathy is unfamiliar to many gastroenterologists. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of the disorder.

Methods: Ten patients (six women) with diabetic thoracic polyradiculopathy were cared for in 20 yr. Electromyographic evidence of nerve root denervation was found in seven patients. Nine patients were followed-up at least until recovery, including four until death.

Results: The patients were 42-79 yr of age, had diabetes of various duration, and often had other diabetic complications, including two with previous polyradiculopathy. Pain of various types occurred. It was often worse at night and aggravated by light pressure. Pain was either unilateral or bilateral and was often accompanied by weight loss. All patients had a cutaneous sensory abnormality, and four had localized abdominal wall paresis with protrusion. Spontaneous recovery was documented in nine patients, but two had recurrent polyradiculopathy.

Conclusions: Gastroenterologists should be familiar with diabetic thoracic polyradiculopathy, because its early recognition may prevent unnecessary and expensive diagnostic evaluation for a visceral cause of pain.