Concurrence of Multifocal Motor Neuropathy and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

BACKGROUND: Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is an immune-mediated disorder that is characterized by slowly progressive and asymmetrical weakness, but its pathophysiological mechanism is uncertain. The hypothesis that MMN is an immunological disease has been supported by the proven therapeutic effects of intravenous immunoglobulin and the detection of antiganglioside antibodies in MMN patients. The coexistence of MMN with other immune diseases has been rarely reported. CASE REPORT: A 37-year-old woman visited our hospital complaining of weakness in both hands. The clinical manifestations coincided well with MMN: predominantly distal upper-limb weakness, asymmetric involvement, a progressive course, absence of sensory symptoms, absence of pyramidal signs, and sparing of the cranial muscles. The electrophysiological findings also supported a diagnosis of MMN, with motor nerve conduction block in the median, ulnar, and radial nerves, without sensory nerve involvement. The patient was simultaneously diagnosed as having Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is a well-known immune-mediated disease. CONCLUSIONS: The concurrence of MMN and Hashimoto's thyroiditis in our patient is significant for understanding the immunological characteristics of the two diseases.