Hydrocephalus in Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Abstract

Hydrocephalus and pseudotumour cerebri are a rare complication of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), occurring in about 4% of the cases. The high concentration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein may lead to a decreased CSF absorption in arachnoid villi. A 10-year-old boy with GBS and hydrocephalus is presented. A mechanical ventilation was required 7 days after admission and he had been on the mechanical ventilation for 6 weeks. Lumbar puncture performed on admission revealed clear CSF with an opening pressure of 15 cm H2O and no cells, a normal glucose level and a protein of 240 mg/dl. He complained of headache and diplopia 11 weeks after admission. Fundoscopy revealed papilloedema, and bilateral mild abducens pareses were also detected. Magnetic resonance imaging displayed a communicating hydrocephalus and interstitial oedema. A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt relieved the symptoms of intracranial hypertension. In GBS, serial computed tomographic scans should be performed in patients with headache and papilloedema. Hydrocephalus may develop in GBS.

• Authors: Y Erşahin, S Mutluer, T Yurtseven
• Journal: Clinical neurology and neurosurgery (Clin Neurol Neurosurg) Vol. 97 Issue 3 Pg. 253-5 (Aug 1995) ISSN: 0303-8467 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 7586859 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins

Topics

• Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins (cerebrospinal fluid)
• Child
• Humans
• Hydrocephalus (diagnosis, surgery)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Neurologic Examination
• Papilledema (diagnosis, surgery)
• Polyradiculoneuropathy (diagnosis, surgery)
• Pseudotumor Cerebri (diagnosis, surgery)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt