Differential Diagnoses for CIDP
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): This is often considered in the differential diagnosis of CIDP due to its similar presentation of ascending paralysis. However, GBS typically has a more rapid progression and often follows an antecedent infection.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN): This condition presents with asymmetric muscle weakness, which can mimic CIDP. The key distinguishing feature is the presence of conduction block on nerve conduction studies in MMN.
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy with diabetes (CIDP-D): Patients with diabetes can develop a CIDP-like illness, making it essential to consider in the differential diagnosis, especially in diabetic patients.
- Lewis-Sumner Syndrome: A variant of MMN, characterized by multifocal demyelinating neuropathy, which can be confused with CIDP due to its demyelinating features.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Vasculitic Neuropathy: This condition can present similarly to CIDP but is caused by inflammation of the blood vessel walls. Missing this diagnosis could lead to delayed treatment and significant morbidity.
- Lymphoma-associated Neuropathy: Neuropathies can be a presenting feature of lymphoma. Failing to consider and diagnose lymphoma could result in delayed initiation of potentially life-saving treatment.
- Amyloidosis: This condition can cause neuropathy that might resemble CIDP. Missing amyloidosis could lead to overlooking a systemic and potentially treatable condition.
Rare Diagnoses
- POEMS Syndrome: A rare, multisystem disorder characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes. The neuropathy in POEMS can mimic CIDP, but the presence of other systemic features helps in differentiation.
- Neuropathy associated with Paraproteinemias: Conditions like Waldenström's macroglobulinemia can cause neuropathy that might be confused with CIDP. Identifying these conditions is crucial due to their distinct management and potential for significant morbidity if left untreated.