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[A case of Miller Fisher syndrome with pharyngeal palsy as an initial symptom]

Y Taguchi1, S Takashima, H Inoue

  • 1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Toyama Medical & Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.

No to Shinkei = Brain and Nerve
|April 12, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Miller Fisher syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, can initially present with pharyngeal palsy. This case highlights the role of elevated anti-GT1a antibodies in this rare initial symptom of Miller Fisher syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • It is characterized by ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia.

Observation:

  • A 68-year-old male presented with pharyngeal palsy following a respiratory infection.
  • Subsequent symptoms included ataxic gait, upper limb paresthesia, and ophthalmoplegia.
  • Elevated titers of anti-GQ1b and anti-GT1a antibodies were detected, with anti-GT1a being higher.

Findings:

  • Pharyngeal palsy occurred as the initial symptom in this MFS case.
  • The higher titer of anti-GT1a antibody correlated with the initial pharyngeal palsy.
  • Double-filtration plasmapheresis led to symptom resolution within two months.

Implications:

  • This case suggests a potential link between high anti-GT1a antibody titers and pharyngeal palsy as an initial MFS manifestation.
  • Understanding antibody profiles may aid in early diagnosis and targeted treatment of MFS.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific role of anti-GT1a antibodies in MFS pathophysiology.

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