🚀 go-pugleaf

An old friend of our family sent a letter to me asking about a
diagnostic procedure using a "cutaneous nerve biopsy."  Our friend
mentions being "retested for peripheral neuropathy" and has been
told that the biopsy would 'remove a sensory nerve and that the
area would become numb.'  Our friend states: "Though there are
relatively few indications for this invasive technique, it has
been recommended for me."

I have been asked to help locate "articles about the procedure in
reputable medical journals."  I will do a MedLine search but I'm
not sure what subject headings I should include.  The obvious two
are "cutaneous nerve biopsy" and "peripheral neuropathy."  I would
appreciate some addition information as to when a cutaneous nerve
biopsy is indicated; i.e., what results (positive or negative) might
the neurologist be seeking.  How broad an area does the term
"peripheral neuropathy" cover.  Are there a few general questions
I mighty ask my friend to help focus the search?  Journal References,
suggestions for additional search terms and/or URLs to some Web
documents would be appreciated.

Many thanks,
Albert