[Pure motor neuropathy, an uncommon complication of radiotherapy: report of 3 cases and review of the literature].

BACKGROUND

Early or late neurological symptoms with lesions of peripheral or central nervous system can originated from radiotherapy.

METHODS

We report three cases of pure motor neuropathy in patients, which were treated by X-ray treatment several years ago.

RESULTS

Three patients (35-65 years old) have been presenting a pure motor neuropathy between 8.5 and 21 years after radiotherapy for Hodgkin disease (two cases) or testicular seminoma (one case). In each case, a proximodistal weakness with proximal predominance was observed and confirmed by the electromyographic findings. After a gradual worsening, we observed a clinical stability in patients treated by anticoagulant (one case) or pentoxifylline (two cases).

CONCLUSION

Pure motor neuropathy is a rare and late complication of the radiotherapy. A treatment with anticoagulant or pentoxifylline, with or without tocopherol, has been suggested.