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

Twenty-two Combined central and peripheral demyelination (CCPD) patients were selected from 788 demyelination cases. We reviewed and compared the clinical manifestation, laboratory data, electrophysiological examination, MRI and the prognosis. 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 (OB) 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. 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.113