Anti-MAG neuropathy is a very rare form of acquired polyneuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). We conducted a retrospective review of 194 consecutive MGUS patients seen at the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute. We identified six patients among 37 (16 %) with IgM MGUS with anti-MAG neuropathy. Interestingly, an additional patient had anti-MAG neuropathy without MGUS. Common clinical manifestations were numbness and paresthesias of the extremities and gait imbalance. All four patients treated with rituximab and none of the three untreated ones had a subjective improvement of their symptoms. We conclude that all patients with IgM MGUS and neuropathy should be screened for anti-MAG antibodies and, if positive, they should be offered treatment with rituximab.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00277-014-2294-7 | DOI Listing |
Brain Sci
December 2024
Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Sede Di Roma, 00168 Rome, Italy.
Background/objectives: Anti-MAG polyneuropathy is a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathies, particularly MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) and Waldenström macroglobulinemia. It is characterized by a subacute onset of distal sensory symptoms, with distal motor dysfunction typically appearing only in the later stages of the disease. The condition is caused by the presence of autoantibodies directed against myelin-associated glycoprotein, a structural protein of myelin.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBrain Nerve
January 2025
Internal Medicine, Morioka Health Cooperative Association, Kawakubo Hospital.
Anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (Anti-MAG) neuropathy and autoimmune nodopathies with antibodies targeting nodal or paranodal proteins have recently been reclassified as distinct conditions, separate from chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). This distinction is based on the clinical homogeneity observed in antibody-positive cases, their unique response to treatment compared to CIDP, and evidence indicating the pathogenic role of these autoantibodies. The significance of identifying conditions outside the CIDP category lies in the elucidation of their distinct pathological mechanisms and providing appropriate immunotherapy accordingly.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBrain Nerve
January 2025
Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) includes a number of clinical subtypes. The major phenotype is "typical CIDP," which is characterized by symmetric and "proximal and distal" muscle weakness. Due to historical changes in the concept of CIDP, multifocal motor neuropathy, anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (anti-MAG) neuropathy, and autoimmune nodopathy were excluded.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurr Hematol Malig Rep
December 2024
Bing Center for Waldenström Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute450 Brookline Ave, Mayer 223, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
Purpose Of Review: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is more commonly seen in individuals with monoclonal gammopathies, especially in patients with an IgM monoclonal gammopathy or Waldenström macroglobulinemia.
Recent Findings: There are multiple potential ways that the paraprotein may result in peripheral neuropathy. The diagnosis and management of monoclonal gammopathy-associated PN are challenging and necessitate a concerted effort between the hematologist/oncologist and the neurologist.
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry
December 2024
Aston Medical School, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
Antimyelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) neuropathy is a rare autoimmune demyelinating peripheral neuropathy caused by IgM autoantibodies targeting MAG. The typical presentation is that of a slowly progressive, distal, length-dependent, predominantly sensory, sometimes ataxic neuropathy, frequently accompanied by upper limb tremor. Distal motor weakness may subsequently occur.
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