Brachial Plexitis After Stem Cell Transplant.

Abstract

Brachial plexitis is characterized by acute onset pain followed by weakness due to dysfunction of the nerves constituting the brachial plexus. The exact pathophysiology of this condition remains unknown but it is known to follow acute infections, such as a viral illness. We describe a case of idiopathic brachial plexitis in a patient after a peripheral stem cell transplant. The acute denervation of nerves in the brachial plexus may be due to reconstitution of his immune system. This is a rare entity and can be a diagnostic dilemma. Brachial plexitis may follow peripheral stem cell transplantation. Awareness of this phenomenon is helpful to clinicians involved in the care of these patients.