Autoimmunity-associated autonomic failure with sympathetic denervation.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Autonomic Neuroscience

Background:

• Autoimmune diseases can affect the nervous system.
• Autonomic dysfunction can manifest in various ways.

Observation:

• A young woman developed arthritis, followed by pandysautonomia.
• She experienced initial parasympathetic recovery but persistent neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.

Findings:

• Post-ganglionic sympathetic denervation was identified as the cause of hypotension.
• Variable sympathetic neuronal re-sprouting was observed in multiple organs after 1.5 years.

Implications:

• This case highlights the complex interplay between autoimmunity and autonomic nervous system function.
• Understanding neuronal re-sprouting may offer future therapeutic targets for autonomic neuropathies.