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Neurogenic muscle hypertrophy as an uncommon case of the calf enlargement — a case report and literature review


- University Hospital of Jan Mikulicz-Radecki, Wrocław, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Angiology, Hypertension, and Diabetology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
open access
Abstract
Unilateral limb edema is a common diagnostic problem. Apart from the most common pathologies, i.e. chronic
venous insufficiency and lymphedema, differential diagnosis should include unusual causes of asymmetric extremity
edema. We presented a case of 41-year-old man with suspicion of lymphedema of the left calf, who reported
to a lymphology clinic. We discuss subsequent steps of the diagnostic procedure in case of the calf edema.
In our patient, neurogenic muscle hypertrophy was found to be the cause of the calf enlargement. The diagnosis
was confirmed by results of ultrasound, magnetic resonance, computed tomography, lymphoscintigraphy and
electromyography examinations. Neurogenic muscle hypertrophy is a very rare and unusual cause of the calf
enlargement. Nevertheless, it should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis.
Abstract
Unilateral limb edema is a common diagnostic problem. Apart from the most common pathologies, i.e. chronic
venous insufficiency and lymphedema, differential diagnosis should include unusual causes of asymmetric extremity
edema. We presented a case of 41-year-old man with suspicion of lymphedema of the left calf, who reported
to a lymphology clinic. We discuss subsequent steps of the diagnostic procedure in case of the calf edema.
In our patient, neurogenic muscle hypertrophy was found to be the cause of the calf enlargement. The diagnosis
was confirmed by results of ultrasound, magnetic resonance, computed tomography, lymphoscintigraphy and
electromyography examinations. Neurogenic muscle hypertrophy is a very rare and unusual cause of the calf
enlargement. Nevertheless, it should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis.
Keywords
lymphedema, neurogenic muscle hypertrophy, radiculopathy


Title
Neurogenic muscle hypertrophy as an uncommon case of the calf enlargement — a case report and literature review
Journal
Issue
Article type
Case report
Pages
108-112
Published online
2021-01-07
Page views
428
Article views/downloads
1481
DOI
Bibliographic record
Acta Angiologica 2020;26(3):108-112.
Keywords
lymphedema
neurogenic muscle hypertrophy
radiculopathy
Authors
Aleksandra Kujawa
Andrzej Szuba
Rafał Małecki


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