Journal Review: Nerve biopsy: Current indications and decision tool-Article

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Nerve biopsy is a procedure used to diagnose various neuropathies, but its use should be carefully considered. Alternative diagnostic modalities, such as imaging techniques and skin biopsy, should be considered first. Nerve biopsy is indicated in vasculitic neuropathy, hematological malignancy-related neuropathy, nerve tumors, and pseudotumors, among other conditions. It can be valuable in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and hereditary neuropathies with atypical features or non-diagnostic genetic test results. Imaging techniques and genetic tests can also aid in diagnosis. Nerve biopsy is also used in the diagnosis of storage disorders. Overall, the decision to perform a nerve biopsy should be individualized for each patient.

Keywords

nerve biopsy

diagnosis

neuropathies

vasculitic neuropathy

hematological malignancy-related neuropathy

nerve tumors

pseudotumors

CIDP

hereditary neuropathies

storage disorders

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy