Case Report: Acute Bulbar Palsy Plus Syndrome: A Guillain-Barré Syndrome Variant More Prone to Be a Subtype Than Overlap of Distinct Subtypes

The spectrum of anti-GQ1B antibody syndrome: beyond Miller Fisher syndrome and Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis

INTRODUCTION

Since the initial identification of Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) and Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE),significant milestones have been achieved in understanding these diseases.Discoveries of common serum antibodies (IgG anti-GQ1b), antecedent infections, neurophysiological data, andneuroimaging suggested a shared autoimmune pathogenetic mechanism rather than distinct pathogenesis, leadingto the hypothesis that both diseases are part of a unified syndrome, termed "Fisher-Bickerstaff syndrome". The subsequent identification of atypical anti-GQ1b-positive forms expanded the classification to a broader condition known as "Anti-GQ1b-Antibody syndrome".

METHODS

An exhaustive literature review was conducted, analyzing a substantial body of research spanning from the initialdescriptions of the syndrome's components to recent developments in diagnostic classification and researchperspectives.

RESULTS

Anti-GQ1b syndrome encompasses a continuous spectrum of conditions defined by a common serological profilewith varying degrees of peripheral (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) involvement. MFS and BBE represent theopposite ends of this spectrum, with MFS primarily affecting the PNS and BBE predominantly involving the CNS.Recently identified atypical forms, such as acute ophthalmoparesis, acute ataxic neuropathy withoutophthalmoparesis, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) with ophthalmoparesis, MFS-GBS and BBE-GBS overlap syndromes,have broadened this spectrum.

CONCLUSION

This work aims to provide an extensive, detailed, and updated overview of all aspects of the anti-GQ1b syndromewith the intention of serving as a stepping stone for further shaping thereof. Special attention was given to therecently identified atypical forms, underscoring their significance in redefining the boundaries of the syndrome.

Isolated Acute Dysphagia as a Probable Rare Presentation of Guillain-Barré Syndrome with Complete Recovery: A Case Report

Dysphagia is prevalent among the elderly and can lead to serious complications, often manifesting as a clinical symptom of various neurological or muscular pathologies, including Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). GBS is an acute immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy, and dysphagia may arise during its course due to cranial nerve involvement. In rare GBS variants, dysphagia may present as the initial or sole clinical manifestation, posing diagnostic challenges. In this study, we present the case of an elderly female patient with dysphagia, eventually diagnosed with an atypical variant of GBS. Initially, the patient required nasogastric tube feeding; however, complete recovery was achieved through immunotherapy. This case underscores the importance of clinicians conducting thorough evaluations of factors influencing the swallowing mechanism and remaining vigilant about identifying uncommon causative factors. Such approaches enable the implementation of effective disease-modifying therapies, potentially leading to the resolution of dysphagic symptoms.

A case of variant of GBS with positive serum ganglioside GD3 IgG antibody

BACKGROUND

Acute bulbar palsy-plus (ABPp) syndrome is an unusual variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Anti-GT1a and anti-GQ1b antibodies have been reported in patients with ABPp, but without reports related to GD3 antibodies.

METHODS

Clinical data of a patient diagnosed as ABPp syndrome were reviewed clinically. And we summarized the GBS patients with ABP and facial paralysis reported in the literature.

RESULTS

We reported a 13-year-old girl presented with asymmetric bifacial weakness, bulbar palsy and transient limb numbness, and had positive serum IgG anti-GD3 antibody. Through reviewing the GBS patients with ABP and facial paralysis reported previously, we found that facial palsy could be unilateral or bilateral. The bilateral facial palsy could present successively or simultaneously, and could be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Other common symptoms included ophthalmoplegia, sensory abnormality and ataxia. IgG anti-GT1a and IgG anti-GQ1b antibodies were the most frequent. Most of the patients had full recovery within two weeks to one year of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We reported a patient with asymmetric bifacial palsy and bulbar palsy, which seemed to fit the diagnosis of ABPp syndrome. This was the first report of ABPp variant of GBS with positive serum ganglioside GD3 IgG antibody.

Acute Bulbar Palsy and Ophtalmoplegia Associated With Anti-GT1a IgG Antibodies

INTRODUCTION

Although several variants of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) have been described, they are uncommon, and the atypical clinical presentation of patients makes the diagnosis challenging. This article reports a case of acute bulbar palsy plus (ABPp) syndrome.

CASE REPORT

A 18-year-old patient was admitted to our hospital because of difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, tingling of the extremities of the 4 limbs, and diplopia. He reported abdominal pain and diarrhea 2 weeks earlier. Physical examination showed a low-pitched voice, palsy elevation of the soft palate and complete palsy of the abduction of the left eye. Electromyography and cerebrospinal fluid examination were unremarkable, but Campylobacter jejuni serology was positive, and we found an isolated immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-GT1a antibodies positivity. A diagnosis of ABPp was finally made, and the patient fully recovered early after receiving polyvalent immunoglobulins infusion.

CONCLUSIONS

ABPp is classified as subtype of GBS. The most frequent clinical signs of ABPp are ophthalmoplegia, facial palsy, and ataxia. IgG anti-GT1a and/or anti-GQ1b are positive in a majority of patients with ABPp; however, these antibodies are not specific and can found in other subtypes of GBS.

Acute Oropharyngeal Palsy Following Bilateral Adie's Tonic Pupils Associated with Anti-GT1a and GQ1b IgG Antibodies

A 36-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with complaints of dysphagia and photophobia. A neurological examination showed oropharyngeal palsy and bilateral mydriasis with loss of light reflexes in the absence of external ophthalmoplegia. Bilateral pupils were supersensitive to pilocarpine 0.1%, which was compatible with Adie's tonic pupils. Serum IgG reacted with GQ1b, GT1a, GalNAc-GD1a, and GD3. Intravenous high-dose immunoglobulin therapy improved his neurological symptoms within three weeks. To our knowledge, there is no medical literature describing acute oropharyngeal palsy with Adie's tonic pupils. We recommend evaluating antiganglioside antibodies to clarify the cause of oropharyngeal palsy and Adie's tonic pupils.

A Severe Pharyngeal-Sensory-Ataxic Variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome With Transient Cardiac Dysfunction and a Positive Anti-sulfatide IgM

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a heterogeneous group of acute immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy that typically presents with classic axonal or demyelinating sensory-motor type. However, there are variants of GBS with atypical presentation. We report a rare case of severe pharyngeal-sensory-ataxic variant of GBS associated with poor cardiac systolic function, elevated troponin, and positive anti-sulfatide IgM. The sensory symptom atypically started in the hands in an ascending pattern, which progressed to involve the trunk and face and, later, all limbs. It was associated with severe dysphagia, ataxia, and generalized areflexia but with preserved muscle strength in all extremities. Recognizing the atypical pattern of presentation and the ability to perform an accurate clinical localization are the utmost important initial steps in making the diagnosis. The patient showed complete recovery after immunoglobulin therapy.

Guillain-Barré syndrome with unilateral peripheral facial paralysis in a Chinese child

BACKGROUND

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy with the classic presentation of acute onset neurological symptoms preceded by an infective illness, followed by progressive limb weakness. Unilateral facial paralysis is rarely seen in GBS.

CASE PRESENTATION

We reported a child presented with unilateral facial paralysis, limited outward movement of one eye and unilateral lower limb weakness, who was later diagnosed to have GBS. Through reviewing the patients with similar presentation reported previously, we found that the onset time of unilateral facial weakness in relation to other presentations of GBS seemed to be variable, which could be later or earlier than other symptoms, or concomitant. Most of the patients had a relatively good outcome within two weeks to twelve months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral facial paralysis may be a feature of GBS, albeit a rare thing. Recognizing the clinical patterns of such atypical variants of GBS allows for more timely and accurate diagnosis, and for treatment to be initiated without delay.

Acute Bulbar Palsy-Plus Variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a 3-Year-Old Girl

We present a case of a 3-year-old girl who rapidly developed bilateral facial palsy, dysphagia, dysphonia, areflexia, and ataxia soon after receiving an influenza vaccine. Brain and spine Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with and without contrast showed enhancement of cranial nerves III, V, VII, and X, as well as the anterior and posterior cervical spinal and cauda equina roots. cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies showed white blood cell count of 19 cells/cm², glucose 81 mg/dL, and protein 116 mg/dL, with negative infectious and autoimmune labs. Serum IgM and IgG antibodies against GM1, GD1a, GD1b, GM2, GT1A, GQ1b were negative. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, which led to a full recovery. Upon three-month follow-up, her neurologic examination demonstrated normal cranial nerves, reflexes, and gait. Her presentation was most consistent with the acute bulbar palsy plus (ABPp) variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare and challenging diagnosis especially in her age group.