[Guillain-Barre syndrome following resection of glioblastoma multiforme]

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute demyelinating polyneuropathy characterised by progressive muscular weakness and areflexia. Although the pathogenesis is uncertain, it is probably secondary to an aberrant immunological response to components of the peripheral nervous system. GBS has been linked to bacterial or viral infections, systemic diseases, neoplasias, pregnancy, traumatic injuries or organ transplant. An association with intracranial surgery has been reported, but this is exceptional.

We report the case of a 67-year-old male submitted to surgical intervention due to a right-side occipital-parietal glioblastoma. The patient was well until ten days after the intervention, when he presented a rapidly progressive are flexive paraparesis with an ascending course. A spinal tap revealed cerebrospinal liquid with an elevated protein level and albuminocytologic dissociation. The electromyogram study and lumbar magnetic resonance with contrast confirmed the suspected diagnosis of GBS. After establishing treatment with immunoglobulins the patient progressed well and recovered quickly and completely from the paresis.

GBS may appear after intracranial surgery and make it more difficult to reach a differential diagnosis with other entities. To optimise the prognosis, treatment must begin as early as possible. Intravenous immunomodulation with immunoglobulins or plasma exchange are effective in shortening the course of the disease.