What symptom pattern can mimic that of diabetic neuropathy in thoracic region?

• A. Numbness ascending pattern
• B. Stocking glove pattern
• C. Radicular pain
• D. Dull ache

Answer: (B)

The stocking-glove pattern is characterized by sensory loss that typically starts distally in the extremities, affecting sensory pathways in a manner similar to what is observed in diabetic neuropathy. In the context of the thoracic region, this pattern can mirror the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy by presenting with sensory deficits that can progress in a segmental distribution.

In cases of diabetic neuropathy, patients often experience a symmetrical loss of sensation that starts in the toes and fingers (the "stocking" and "glove" areas) and can lead to further complications. When this symptom pattern is considered in the thoracic region, it may also present with areas of sensory loss that correspond to thoracic dermatomes, thus mimicking the distribution and presentation seen in diabetic neuropathy.

This is important for clinicians to recognize, as identifying the correct symptom pattern can help guide appropriate diagnostic investigations and management strategies in patients presenting with these symptoms. Other symptom patterns such as ascending numbness, radicular pain, or a dull ache do not typically reproduce the specific sensory distribution associated with diabetic neuropathy in the same manner.