The clinical features of combined central and peripheral demyelination in Chinese patients

Background: Combined central and peripheral demyelination (CCPD) is rare and has never been reported as a spectrum disease in Han Chinese population. Objectives: To study the clinical features of CCPD in Han Chinese patients. Methods: Twenty-two CCPD patients were selected from 788 demyelination cases. We reviewed and compared the clinical manifestation, laboratory data, electrophysiological examination, MRI and the prognosis. Results: CCPD patients presented with sensory disturbance (86.4%), plegia (77.3%), cranial nerve involvement (77.3%), abnormal deep tendon reflexes (72.7%). CSF data showed increased CSF protein in 81% patients. Oligoclonal IgG bands (08) were negative. Cortical or juxtacortical, periventricular, infratentorial lesions, thoracic and cervical spinal cord were mostly affected. Visual evoked potentials indicated optic nerves demyelinating in 50% cases. 21 CCPD patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin or steroids or both of them, and the efficacy was 33.3%, 54.5%, 71.4%, respectively. One case that showed no response to steroids plus intravenous immunoglobulin treatment was improved significantly after using cyclophosphamide. Conclusions: CCPD is a spectrum disease that can't be regarded as a simple combination of MS and CIDP. A suspected CCPD should receive brain and spinal MRI as well as electrophysiological examination to obtain a precise diagnosis.