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CIDP — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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ModerateNeurologyCIDPRACP Adult Medicine

A 45-year-old man presents with progressive symmetric proximal AND distal weakness with areflexia over 3 months. NCS shows demyelinating pattern (slow conduction velocities, prolonged distal latencies, conduction block, temporal dispersion). CSF shows elevated protein (1.2 g/L) with normal cell count (albuminocytological dissociation). What is the most likely type of neuropathy?

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Correct answer: B — Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Progressive symmetric proximal and distal weakness with areflexia over >8 weeks, demyelinating NCS pattern, and CSF albuminocytological dissociation is CIDP. Key differentiator from GBS: CIDP evolves over >8 weeks (GBS reaches nadir within 4 weeks). EFNS/PNS 2021 criteria classify into typical and atypical CIDP variants. Treatment: IVIG, corticosteroids, or plasma exchange. Response rate ~60-80%.

Reference: EFNS/PNS – 2021 – CIDP Guidelines; eTG Neurology 2024