Concomitant Transverse Myelitis and Acute Axonal Sensory-Motor Neuropathy in an Elderly Patient

Synchronous Occurrence of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Transverse Myelitis of Unknown Etiology in an Adolescent

Synchronous occurrence of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and acute transverse myelitis (ATM) happens very rarely in childhood. Only a few cases of these conditions occurring simultaneously have been reported and represent a diagnostic challenge. We describe a case of a 17-year-old male presenting with acute onset of bilateral symmetrical numbness and tingling starting in the feet that rapidly ascended to the legs with associated motor weakness, associated with a sensory level and urinary retention. Albuminocytologic dissociation on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was consistent with GBS. MRI spine revealed an area of increased T2 signal involving the dorsal aspect of the left side of the cord at the C7 level. The patient was treated with IV methylprednisolone and IV immunoglobulin with significant improvement. This report emphasizes the rarity of this synchronous occurrence in children and the need for further reports to understand the mechanism and better treatment approaches.

Young woman with Guillain-Barré syndrome and cervical transverse myelitis-A new GBS variant, not coincidence

A case of antibody proven Guillain Barré Syndrome in a previously healthy young female with extra clinical features, scans, and physical exam findings consistent with cervical spine and cervical medullary junction myelitis, together a new variant to consider.

A Rare Case of Acute Transverse Myelitis (ATM) and Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN) Overlap

Concomitant acute transverse myelitis (ATM) and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is described as GBS and ATM overlap. Its presentation varies greatly, thus making the diagnosis difficult. Overlap syndrome is more commonly associated with acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) subtype of GBS. However, we present a case of a middle-aged gentleman with combined ATM and acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) subtype of GBS. This combination is quite rare, and only a few cases have been reported so far.

Clinical features and prognosis of patients with Guillain-Barré and acute transverse myelitis overlap syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Patients who present with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and acute transverse myelitis (ATM), either simultaneously or consecutively, are defined as having GBS/ATM overlap syndrome. As this syndrome has been underinvestigated, we performed a literature review to evaluate case reports of GBS/ATM overlap syndrome to facilitate its early diagnosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We searched four scientific literature databases (PUBMED, EMBASE, ELSEVIER and WEB OF SCIENCE) for cases that presented as GBS/ATM overlap syndrome. Eighteen articles that described 23 cases were included, and the clinical and prognostic data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Initially, only five (29.4%) patients were diagnosed with GBS/ATM overlap syndrome. Patients with GBS/ATM overlap syndrome presented as four clinical features. First, some of the patients displayed abnormal pyramidal signs, including 29.4% of patients who had positive pyramidal signs or a negative plantar reflex and 17.6% of patients who had signs of areflexia or hyporeflexia combined with positive pyramidal signs. Second, patients suffered pain and respiratory failure at a high rate (43.5% with pain at the onset of the disease, 43.5% with ventilator support, and 47.8% shown with respiratory failure). Third, patients had a partial clinical recovery of immunomodulators, 56.5% of patients had a favorable outcome, 46.2% of patients who received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) combined steroids responded well to the treatment. Four, acute axonal polyneuropathy seemed to be associated with poor outcomes (odds ratio = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.35-6.68, P = 0.01). Abnormalities in spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were detected in all patients, and the most frequently involved segments were the cervical cord (69.6%) and the thoracic cord (69.6%). In addition to spinal cord lesions, in three patients lesions in the medulla and cerebral hemisphere were also observed. The most common prescriptions included a high dose of methylprednisolone at 1 g/day for 3-5 days that was followed by a 6-week course of oral prednisone and IVIG at 0.4 g/kg/day for 5 days.

CONCLUSION

While it is difficult to make an early diagnosis of GBS/ATM overlap syndrome, electrophysiology is helpful in the diagnosis of GBS and spinal cord MRIs are key to identifying ATM. Brain MRIs are also recommended to detect subclinical lesions. The combined use of IVIG and steroids was the most frequent treatment. However, less than half of the patients responded positively to treatment. Acute axonal neuropathy may be a risk factor for a poor prognosis.