plexopati

Plexopathy, also referred to as plexopati in some languages, is a neurologic disorder characterized by dysfunction of a nerve plexus, most commonly the brachial or lumbosacral plexus. A plexus is a network of nerves that distributes signals to the limbs, so plexopathy typically causes proximal weakness, sensory loss, and often pain in the corresponding arm or leg. It is distinguished from isolated nerve injuries (mononeuropathies) or single nerve root problems (radiculopathies) by involvement of multiple nerves arising from the plexus.

Causes are diverse and include traumatic injury (such as shoulder or pelvic girdle trauma), inflammatory or immune-mediated processes (for example acute brachial neuritis or Parsonage–Turner syndrome), infectious or inflammatory disorders, neoplastic infiltration or compression by tumors, and radiation-induced injury. Metabolic conditions such as diabetes can cause lumbosacral plexopathy, sometimes referred to as diabetic radiculoplexopathy. Less common etiologies include ischemia, chemotherapy-related neurotoxicity, and extensive local inflammation.

Clinical features depend on the affected plexus. Brachial plexopathy commonly presents with shoulder girdle weakness and arm sensory loss, with pain near the shoulder or arm. Lumbosacral plexopathy tends to cause proximal leg weakness and thigh or hip sensory changes. Symptoms may be accompanied by muscle wasting and variable reflex changes.

Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment corroborated by electrodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCS) and imaging. MRI of the plexus and, increasingly, MRI neurography can visualize pathology; ultrasound may aid evaluation. Treatment targets the underlying cause and may include analgesia, physical therapy, and, in inflammatory cases, immunotherapy. Prognosis varies with etiology and extent of nerve injury.