Mononeuritis multiplex secondary to Lyme neuroborreliosis

Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) typically presents as a painful radiculitis or a cranial mononeuropathy with lymphocytic meningitis (Bannwarth’s syndrome). Isolated peripheral mononeuropathy or multiple mononeuropathy is less frequently recognised. A 58-year-old female with a background of IgA nephropathy and chronic kidney disease presented with a painful left ulnar neuropathy followed within 3 months by superficial radial neuropathy. Initial serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were unremarkable; nerve conduction study was in keeping with a mononeuritis multiplex. A superficial radial nerve biopsy demonstrated inflammation with axonal injury consistent with a pathologically possible vasculitis. Borrelia antibodies were identified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot in serum consistent with active recent Lyme borreliosis. A 6-week course of doxycycline was initiated with gradual resolution of pain and improved power. A repeat nerve conduction study demonstrated improvement in sensory and motor responses. This case report identifies a peripheral nerve syndrome of a mononeuritis multiplex secondary to LNB in the absence of CSF pleocytosis with excellent outcome following antibiotic treatment. Peripheral nervous system manifestations of Lyme borreliosis can mimic a vasculitic neuropathy and therefore should be considered in individuals presenting with a painful mononeuritis multiplex.