Monomelic amyotrophy: a rare variant of lower motor neuron disorder (2 clinical cases)

Monomelic amyotrophy (MMA) is a rare variant of lower motor neuron disease with benign progression. The disease is characterized by muscular weakness and atrophy in the hand and forearm on one side or asymmetrical lesion of both upper limbs with the presence of cold paresis, fasciculations, and fine tremor of the fingers. Sensory disorders, pyramidal symptoms, and involvement of the leg muscles are not typical of it. The final diagnosis of MMA can be made only on the basis of clinical neurological and electrophysiological tests as well as long-term follow-up of the patient. Timely recommendations for correction of the movement pattern and prevention of flexion compression may slow down the disease progression in some cases and, thereby, improve the quality of life of patients. The article describes two clinical cases with a probable diagnosis of MMA.