Segmental hyperhidrosis as a manifestation of spinal and paraspinal disease.

BACKGROUND

Segmental hyperhidrosis is an uncommon finding which is usually associated with irritation or infiltration of pre-ganglionic sympathetic fibres or the sympathetic chain.

METHODS

We report two cases of segmental hyperhidrosis with striking clinical features.

RESULTS

In one case, a mesothelioma produced ipsilateral simultaneous underactivity and overactivity of sympathetic outflow and in the other case a thoracic central disc herniation was probably responsible for a band of sweating which clearly extended beyond the segmental level of injury.

CONCLUSION

Segmental hyperhidrosis should trigger a search for structural disease in the spinal and paraspinal region.