Corneal Confocal Microscopy in the Diagnosis of Small Fiber Neuropathy: Faster, Easier, and More Efficient Than Skin Biopsy? Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Chronic pain may affect 30-50% of the world's population and an important cause is small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Recent research suggests that autoimmune diseases may be one of the most common causes of small nerve fiber damage. There is low awareness of SFN among patients and clinicians and it is difficult to diagnose as routine electrophysiological methods only detect large fiber abnormalities, and specialized small fiber tests, like skin biopsy and quantitative sensory testing, are not routinely available. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid, non-invasive, reproducible method for quantifying small nerve fiber degeneration and regeneration, and could be an important tool for diagnosing SFN. This review considers the advantages and disadvantages of CCM and highlights the evolution of this technique from a research tool to a diagnostic test for small fiber damage, which can be a valuable contribution to the study and management of autoimmune disease.

publication date

  • December 26, 2021

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC8954271

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85062558734

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1111/cxo.12887

PubMed ID

  • 35366285

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 29

issue

  • 1