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MultiSpace Deep Fascial Infection in the Head and Neck Patient Complicated with Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Case Report
Fengxia Fan1, Hongli Ni1, Wanjie Luo1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Zigong Fourth People's Hospital, Zigong, Sichuan, China.
Abstract:
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is the most prevalent and severe form of acute paralytic neuropathy, commonly triggered by infections and characterized by an abnormal autoimmune response. Reports of multispace deep fascial infection (DFI) in the head and neck complicated by GBS are exceedingly rare. We report a 69-year-old woman with DFI who developed postoperative limbs weakness. GBS was diagnosed after neurology consultation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) puncture examination. Then the patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, as well as supportive care and rehabilitation exercise. After our treatment, the patient was discharged successfully. GBS is a rare complication after head and neck surgery. When progressive weakness occurs in patient of DFI, the possibility of GBS should be considered, and CSF and electrophysiological examinations should be performed as soon as possible. For patients with DFI complicated with GBS, prognosis depends on early diagnosis and treatment.
Insights
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune neuropathy, can complicate head and neck deep fascial infections (DFI). Early diagnosis and treatment with immunoglobulin therapy improved outcomes in a reported case.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a severe acute paralytic neuropathy often triggered by infections and autoimmune responses.
- Multispace deep fascial infection (DFI) in the head and neck is uncommon, and its association with GBS is exceptionally rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) complicating a head and neck deep fascial infection (DFI).
- To highlight the importance of considering GBS in patients with DFI presenting with progressive weakness.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 69-year-old female patient with head and neck DFI who developed postoperative limb weakness.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via neurology consultation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) puncture examination, and electrophysiological studies.
- Treatment involved intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), supportive care, and rehabilitation.
Main Results:
- The patient successfully recovered and was discharged after treatment.
- This case underscores the potential for GBS as a complication of head and neck DFI.
Conclusions:
- Progressive limb weakness in patients with head and neck DFI warrants consideration for GBS.
- Prompt CSF and electrophysiological examinations are crucial for timely GBS diagnosis.
- Early diagnosis and treatment, including IVIG, are vital for favorable prognosis in DFI-complicated GBS.
