Abdominal Pain Caused by Diabetic Radiculopathy

Abstract

In diabetes mellitus, pain and weakness in a lower extremity can result from lumbosacral radiculopathy. Abdominal pain caused by a similar type of thoroacic nerve root disease is not generally recognized. Diabetic patients (4) with abdominal pain were studied. In none of the patients was the actual cause, radiculopathy, suspected until after extensive negative diagnostic investigation, which frequency included invasive procedures. Their clinical features were suggestive of malignant disease. Electromyographic examination revealed the correct diagnosis, and all 4 of the patients had a spontaneous and complete recovery.