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  • Title: Skin biopsy in assessing meralgia paresthetica.
    Author: Wongmek A, Shin S, Zhou L.
    Journal: Muscle Nerve; 2016 Apr; 53(4):641-3. PubMed ID: 26800390.
    Abstract:
    INTRODUCTION: Meralgia paresthetica is a focal neuropathy caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). The disease can be difficult to assess by neurophysiological or imaging studies. METHODS: We studied 5 patients who presented to our neuromuscular clinic from April 2012 to December 2014 with a clinical suspicion of meralgia paresthetica and had skin biopsies with intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) evaluation. RESULTS: The mean age at onset was 37.2 (range 21-59) years. There were 4 women and 1 man. Two were obese, 2 wore tight jeans, and 1 had mild diabetes mellitus. IENFD was reduced in the symptomatic proximal thigh in all 5 patients and was also reduced in the asymptomatic thigh in 2 patients. It was normal in the distal leg in 4 patients. CONCLUSION: Meralgia paresthetica is associated with loss of small intraepidermal nerve fibers. Skin biopsy with IENFD evaluation may be a useful diagnostic tool for this disease.
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