Metastatic brachial plexopathy in breast cancer

Abstract

We report the case of a 29-year-old woman previously treated for breast cancer who presented 3 years later with pain weakness and burning sensation in the left upper limb of one month duration. Electroneuromyography showed reduced sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude and reduced conduction velocity in left median nerve sensory conduction, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brachial plexus revealed nodular thickening of trunks and cords of left brachial plexus, suggesting metastasis. Ultrasonography guided fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed the presence of metastatic ductal cell carcinomatous deposits. Brachial plexopathy due to metastases from breast cancer is a rare entity, and should be kept in mind while evaluating patients with breast cancer.