Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

The chronic neuropathies that are collectively known as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) include:

• MADSAM (multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy, also know as Lewis-Sumner syndrome)
• DADS (distal acquired demyelinating symmetric neuropathy) as variants.

CIDP is a rare acquired disorder characterized by progressive symmetrical muscle weakness and tingling or numbness in the legs and arms. Motor involvement is usually greater than sensory dysfunction. Muscle weakness often affect both proximal and distal muscles. This disorder is caused by damage to the myelin sheath (the fatty covering that protect the nerve fibers) of the peripheral nerves. Although it can occur at any age and in both genders, it is rare in children and more common in young adult. It can have a flutuating prolonged course up to a few months, with some good days and some bad days.

Diagnosis

CIDP can be confirmed by nerve conduction study and electromyography, spine MRI with gadolinium contrast, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.