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Steroid-responsive myeloneuropathy associated with antithyroid antibodies
1Department of Neurology, Haydarpasa Numune State Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
|August 27, 2010
Summary
Two patients with myeloneuropathy and myelopathy showed elevated antithyroid antibodies. Prompt steroid treatment led to symptom resolution, suggesting a link between antithyroid antibodies and these neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Presents two cases of patients with myeloneuropathy and myelopathy.
- Highlights the presence of elevated antithyroid antibodies in both individuals.
- Notes normal thyroid function and imaging despite high antibody titers.
Observation:
- Both patients experienced acute onset tetraparesis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cervical spinal lesions.
- Nerve conduction and biopsy studies suggested demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy in one patient.
Findings:
- Diagnostic workup was otherwise negative, with elevated antithyroid antibodies being the primary finding.
- Both patients demonstrated a remarkable response to high-dose steroid treatment.
- Symptoms resolved within months, coinciding with reduced antithyroid antibody levels and clinical improvement.
Implications:
- Antithyroid antibodies may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute demyelinating myeloneuropathy and myelopathy.
- The presence of antithyroid antibodies may predict a favorable response to steroid therapy in these neurological syndromes.
- Suggests a potential autoimmune mechanism linking thyroid autoimmunity to neurological dysfunction.
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