nerve biopsy

Indications

• asymmetric multifocal neuropathy
• vasculitis
• leprosy
• sarcoidosis

Contraindications

Not indicated for symmetric, distal polyneuropathy

• non-specific findings of little clinical importance
• typically chronic neuropathy with mixed axonal-demyelinating features

Procedure

• sural nerve is generally preferred specimen
  • purely sensory
  • easily obtained
• superficial radial nerve in upper extremity

More general terms

• tissue biopsy

More specific terms

• sural nerve biopsy