Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy in Association with Hepatitis E

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disorder affecting peripheral nerves.
• Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) is a subtype characterized by pure motor weakness without sensory loss.
• Post-infectious triggers are common in GBS, but specific associations require further investigation.

Observation:

• A young woman presented with acute, symmetrical motor weakness primarily in the lower limbs.
• She had recent symptoms of nausea, fever, and diarrhea, and was diagnosed with acute Hepatitis E infection.
• Neurological assessment revealed areflexia and pure motor deficits, with neurophysiology confirming axonal injury, not demyelination.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with AMAN secondary to Hepatitis E infection.
• No specific treatment beyond supportive care was administered.
• Complete motor recovery was observed within 35 days, with normalization of neurophysiological parameters.

Implications:

• Hepatitis E should be considered as a potential trigger for AMAN.
• This case underscores the possibility of spontaneous recovery in AMAN.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the immunopathogenesis of Hepatitis E-associated AMAN.