Progressive subacute Miller-Fisher syndrome successfully treated with plasmapheresis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Miller-Fisher Syndrome (MFS) is a rare acute polyneuropathy composed of the clinical triad of ataxia, areflexia and ophthalmoplegia, with a monophasic, self-limited course and spontaneous improvement.

CASE REPORT:

The authors present a 65-year-old man with Miller-Fisher syndrome consisting of bilateral ophthalmoplegia, trigeminal and facial nerve palsy, mild ataxia and peripheral neuropathy. The disease had a progressive, subacute course within 3 months. A high titer of anti-GQ1b antibodies was detected. As a result of plasmapheresis, complete recovery was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS:

The presented case was atypical in its clinical course and treatment. It could support the theory of the continuity between MFS, Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE), and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

• Authors: Maria Ejma, Marta Waliszewska-Prosół, Anna Hofman, Sławomir Budrewicz, Ryszard Podemski, Małgorzata Bilińska, Magdalena Koszewicz
• Journal: Neurologia i neurochirurgia polska (Neurol Neurochir Pol) Vol. 49 Issue 2 Pg. 137-8 ( 2015) ISSN: 0028-3843 [Print] Poland
• PMID: 25890931 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Polish Neurological Society. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Autoantibodies
• Gangliosides
• GQ1b ganglioside

Topics

• Aged
• Autoantibodies (immunology, isolation & purification)
• Gangliosides (immunology)
• Humans
• Male
• Miller Fisher Syndrome (therapy)
• Plasma Exchange
• Plasmapheresis (methods)
• Treatment Outcome