Brachioradial pruritus in a patient with cervical disc herniation and Parsonage-Turner syndrome

An Bras Dermatol. 2015 May-Jun;90(3):401-2. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20153059. Epub 2015 Jun 1.

Abstract

Brachioradial pruritus is a chronic sensory neuropathy of unknown etiology which affects the skin of the shoulders, arms and forearms on the insertion of the brachioradialis muscle. We describe the case of a 60-year old woman recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma who refers paresis, severe pruritus and itching lesions on the right arm with 6 months of evolution. Investigation led to a diagnosis of Brachioradial pruritus consequent to the presence of cervical disc herniation and Parsonage-Turner syndrome. The patient started gabapentin 900 mg/day with good control of itching. Corticosteroids and antihistamines are often ineffective in the treatment of BP. Gabapentin has been used with encouraging results. All patients with Brachioradial pruritus should be evaluated for cervical spine injuries.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Brachial Plexus Neuritis* / complications
  • Brachial Plexus Neuritis* / diagnosis
  • Cervical Vertebrae*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / complications
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / diagnosis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pruritus / drug therapy
  • Pruritus / pathology*
  • Skin / pathology