Abstract Details

Title Ataxic variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome, with positive GD1b antibodies in an elderly male: a case report

Topic Autoimmune Neurology

Presentation(s) P10 - Poster Session 10 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 6-005

Objective Discuss an atypical presentation of ataxic GBS with positive GD1b antibody.

Background The clinical spectrum of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) ranges from asymptomatic to rapidly progressive and fatal. Ataxic GBS is one of the rare presentations. It is characterized by profound ataxia without ophthalmoplegia. We report a case of atypical presentation of GBS with rapidly progressive neurological deficits in an elderly male.

Design/Methods N/A

Results A 73-year-old right-handed male with past medical history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented with gait imbalance and distal extremity numbness for five days prior to presentation. He noted he was having difficulty walking but denied weakness. He reported "electricity" type pain in his arms and legs and perioral tingling. He denied any other neurological deficits. He denied recent illness or vaccination. Physical exam was remarkable for severe ataxia, areflexia, and mild nystagmus. An MRI of the brain, cervical and thoracic spine showed no pathology. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling showed protein of 46 mg/dL and no cells with a negative CSF culture. An electromyogram showed motor-sensory non-length dependant non-axonal loss without demyelination. A diagnosis of variant Guillain-Barre syndrome was suspected, and the patient received a 5-day course of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). Despite this the patient developed neuromuscular respiratory failure necessitating intubation. GD1b antibody titter was found to be elevated at 1:800 (reference <1:100)

Conclusions The ataxic variant of GBS is a very uncommon disease pathology. This case highlights the importance of considering different subtypes and presentations of GBS and related disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment with IVIG are important for a good outcome.

Authors/Disclosures
Camelia Valhuerdi Porto, MD (Tufts Medical Center) PRESENTER	Dr. Valhuerdi Porto has nothing to disclose.
Aya N. Shnawa, MD	Dr. Shnawa has nothing to disclose.
Ivanna Joseph, MD (Tufts Medical Center)	Dr. Joseph has nothing to disclose.
Lisa Scott, MD, DO (Tufts Medical Center)	Dr. Scott has nothing to disclose.

��ɫ��

��ɫ��