Ataxia and ophthalmoplegia: an atypical case of Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) with anti-GAD antibody.

BACKGROUND: Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is frequently encountered variant of Gillian Barre Syndrome (GBS). It has distinct clinical and serological features. Here we describe an atypical GQ1b seronegative case with significantly elevated anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GAD-Ab). CASE DESCRIPTION: A 24-year-old previously healthy Caucasian male presented with rapidly progressive ascending weakness, binocular diplopia and autonomic instability for 2 days. Examination was remarkable for asymmetrical facial weakness (L > R), opthalmoplegia and truncal ataxia without areflexia. MRI brain was normal. CSF analysis showed elevated protein. Electromyography/Nerve Conduction Study (EMG/NCS) within the first week was normal. Antiganglioside antibodies were negative. Extended serological and neoplastic workup revealed negative anti-GQ1b antibody, but significant increase of GAD-Ab, Voltage Gated Calcium Channel (VGCC) Ab, and mild elevation of TPO Ab IgG and Thyroglobulin (Tg) Ab IgG. Clinical diagnosis of partial MFS was made. He received a course of IVIg (2 g/kg over 5 days) and had complete recovery in 3 months. CONCLUSION: There are incomplete or atypical forms of MFS. Recognition of its various clinical presentations is essential for early diagnosis and optimal management. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the role of anti-GAD-ab and other autoimmune antibodies in the pathogenesis of GQ1b-seronegative MFS patients.

Síndrome de Miller Fisher, un desafío diagnóstico de oftalmoplejía: reporte de un caso / Miller Fisher syndrome, a diagnostic challenge of ophthalmoplegia: a case report

El síndrome de Guillain-Barré (SGB), y sus derivados, entre ellos el síndrome de Miller Fisher (SMF); junto a otras patologías de origen neurológico como la Polineuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica (CIDP), las polineuropatías de causa metabólica, miastenia gravis, esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA), síndrome de Lambert-Eaton, encefalopatía de Wernicke entre otras; presentan signos y síntomas neurológicos de presentación común. De este modo, la importancia del examen neurológico acabado; y los exámenes de apoyo diagnóstico como: laboratorio -destacando el líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR)-, electromiografía, y toma de imágenes, son cruciales para esclarecer el diagnóstico. Así, es posible ofrecer un tratamiento de forma precoz, basado en la evidencia, y con el objetivo de disminuir la letalidad de la enfermedad. En el presente texto se plasma un subgrupo de patología de SGB, el SMF, el cual posee una incidencia significativamente baja, una clínica característica, y un pronóstico bastante ominoso sin un tratamiento adecuado. En el presente texto se plasma el reporte de un caso abordado en el Hospital San Pablo de Coquimbo, Chile.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and its derivatives, including Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), along others pathologies of neurological origin such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), metabolic polyneuropathies, myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Lambert-Eaton syndrome, Wernicke's encephalopathy and well as others, have common neurological signs and symptoms. In this way, the importance of a thorough neurological examination, and supporting diagnostic tests such as: laboratory, -cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-electromyography, and imaging, are crucial to clarify the diagnosis. Thus, it is possible to offer early, evidence-based treatment with an aim of reducing the disease's lethality. In the text below we present a subgroup of GBS pathology, MFS, which has a significantly low incidence, a characteristic clinical picture, and a rather ominous prognosis without adequate treatment. In the following text/paper is shown the report of a case approached in San Pablo Hospital, from Coquimbo, Chile.

Masquerading Guillain-Barré syndrome: uncommon, in-hospital presentation of Miller-Fisher syndrome shadowed by secondary diseases.

Presentation of severe pain syndromes prior to onset of motor weakness is an uncommon but documented finding in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Sciatica in GBS is a difficult diagnosis when patients present with acute radiculopathy caused by herniated disc or spondylolysis. A middle-aged woman was admitted for severe low back pain, symptomatic hyponatraemia, vomiting and constipation. On further investigation, she was diagnosed with radiculopathy, and appropriate treatment was initiated. Brief symptomatic improvement was followed by new-onset weakness in lower limbs, which progressed to involve upper limbs and right extraocular muscles. With progressive, ascending, new-onset motor and sensory deficits and laboratory evidence of demyelination by Nerve Conduction Study, a diagnosis of variant GBS was made. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin 2 g/kg over 5 days. The presentation of severe low back pain that was masking an existing aetiology and possible dysautonomia and the unilateral right extraocular muscles instead of bilateral make our case unique and rare.

Síndrome de Miller Fisher: relato de caso / Miller Fisher syndrome: case report

A síndrome de Miller Fisher é uma desmielinização dos nervos cranianos e periféricos, gerando graves consequências para o paciente, como, por exemplo, redução ou ausência dos reflexos, paralisia do III, IV e VI nervos cranianos e ataxia. Este relato descreveu o caso de uma mulher de 51 anos, natural e procedente de Penápolis (SP), admitida em um hospital de Araçatuba (SP) com quadro de arreflexia, ataxia e oftalmoplegia. No contexto clínico, foi suspeitada a hipótese de síndrome de Miller Fisher e, assim, começou o processo de investigação, com base nos critérios diagnósticos. O caso foi diagnosticado como síndrome de Miller Fisher, e o tratamento teve início.

Miller Fisher Syndrome is a demyelinating disease affecting cranial and peripheral nerves, leading to severe problems to the patient, such as reduced or absent reflexes, III, IV and VI cranial nerves palsy, and ataxia. This report describes the case of a 51-year-old woman from the city of Penápolis, in the state of São Paulo, who was admitted to the hospital in the city of Araçatuba, in the same state, with ataxia, areflexia and ophthalmoplegia. In the clinical context, the suspicion of Miller Fisher Syndrome was raised, and then investigation ensued for the disease, based on the diagnostic criteria. After evaluation, Miller Fisher Syndrome was confirmed and treatment was started.

A rare case of Miller Fisher variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) induced by a checkpoint inhibitor.

With the recent development of novel, more potent cancer treatment, in particular, immune 'checkpoint inhibitors', cases of neurological immune-related adverse events are on the rise. Although rare, this includes Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). We present the case of a 68-year-old male who was admitted with sudden onset of worsening neurological symptoms following immunotherapy treatment. These symptoms progressed quickly to respiratory failure requiring intubation and admission to the intensive care unit. He was thoroughly investigated and is believed to have an axonal neuropathy in the form of Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS) variant of GBS, secondary to immunotherapy treatment. He was initially treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, and later, perhaps more effectively, with high dose steroids which significantly improved his symptoms. This case of checkpoint inhibitor-induced MFS is one of few in the literature and is an important reminder of the potential for new immunotherapeutic agents to cause significant neurotoxic effects. These should be promptly and thoroughly investigated, in particular, as the management of these patients can differ from standard treatments used in these conditions.

[A case of Miller Fisher syndrome with a false-positive edrophonium test].

A 69-year-old woman presented with acute bilateral ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and hyporeflexia in the extremities following an antecedent upper respiratory infection. We suspected that she had Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) and performed an edrophonium test (ET) to rule out myasthenia gravis (MG). Edrophonium chloride improved the patient's bilateral ptosis, but not her ophthalmoplegia. Given the absence of the waning phenomenon on electrophysiological examination, the anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody, and a diurnal variation of symptoms, we concluded that the ET result was a false-positive. A diagnosis of MFS was confirmed by the presence of a positive anti-GQ1b antibody. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of MFS with a false-positive ET.

[An adult onset sporadic neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease case reminiscent with Fisher syndrome].

A 63-year-old woman presented to our hospital with sudden symptoms of unsteadiness while walking. Based on the neurological findings, i.e., ataxia and absence of tendon reflex in the extremities accompanied by antecedent infection at the time, she was tentatively diagnosed with Fisher syndrome. Following intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy for 5 days, her ataxic symptoms improved. Laboratory data were negative for antiganglioside antibody against GQ1b in the IgG subclass. Six months after her first admission, cognitive impairment gradually developed. She was re-admitted owing to new onset of unsteadiness while walking 1.5 years after her first admission. Diffusion-weighted brain MRI (DWI) revealed linear high-intensity signals in the region of the corticomedullary junction. Cutaneous skin biopsy revealed intranuclear inclusion bodies in sweat gland cells. Considering her family history along with the examination results, we diagnosed with adult-onset sporadic neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID). Retrospective investigation of the previous DWI obtained at the first admission had also shown slight linear high-intensity areas, suggesting that a series of events, including repeated sudden-onset transient ataxia, resulted due to NIID.

Miller-Fisher syndrome after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) is an uncommon neurological disorder that is considered a variant of the Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). It is clinically defined by a triad of symptoms, namely ataxia, areflexia and ophthalmoplegia. These acute inflammatory polyradiculopathic syndromes can be triggered by viral infections, major surgery, pregnancy or vaccination. While the overall incidence of GBS is 1.2-2.3 per 100 000 per year, MFS is a relatively rare disorder. Only six cases of GBS after cardiac surgery have been reported, and to our knowledge, we describe the first case of MFS after coronary artery bypass surgery. Although cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass may increase the incidence of MFS and GBS, the pathological mechanism is unclear. Cardiac surgery may be a trigger for the immune-mediated response and may cause devastating complications. It is also important to be alert to de novo autoimmune and unexpected neurological disorders such as MFS after coronary bypass surgery.

Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody positive neurological syndromes.

A rare kind of antibody, known as anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) autoantibody, is found in some patients. The antibody works against the GAD enzyme, which is essential in the formation of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the brain. Patients found with this antibody present with motor and cognitive problems due to low levels or lack of GABA, because in the absence or low levels of GABA patients exhibit motor and cognitive symptoms. The anti-GAD antibody is found in some neurological syndromes, including stiff-person syndrome, paraneoplastic stiff-person syndrome, Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), limbic encephalopathy, cerebellar ataxia, eye movement disorders, and epilepsy. Previously, excluding MFS, these conditions were calledhyperexcitability disorders. However, collectively, these syndromes should be known as "anti-GAD positive neurological syndromes." An important limitation of this study is that the literature is lacking on the subject, and why patients with the above mentioned neurological problems present with different symptoms has not been studied in detail. Therefore, it is recommended that more research is conducted on this subject to obtain a better and deeper understanding of these anti-GAD antibody induced neurological syndromes.

Overlap of Myasthenia Gravis and Miller Fisher Syndrome.

In this case report, we describe a patient with myasthenia gravis (MG) and Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) overlap. A 69-year-old woman presented with acute bilateral ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, ataxic gait, and areflexia. The MFS diagnosis was confirmed with by a positive anti-GQ1b IgG antibody test result. MG was diagnosed from electrophysiological, edrophonium, and serological test results. Although intravenous immunoglobulin therapy is effective for both diseases, two courses of the therapy did not improve the patient's symptoms. However, steroid therapy was effective. Although the overlap of MG and MFS is very rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neuro-ophthalmic diseases.

A misdiagnosed myasthenia gravis with anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies with possible childhood onset.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood onset myasthenia gravis associated with anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies is very rare and atypical in presentation. CASE REPORT: As a baby, the pre- sented patient was choking and sleeping with open eyes. She had weak cry and breathing difficulties. In childhood, there were fre- quent falls and fluctuating swallowing difficulties. At the age of 19 she was misdiagnosed with Miller Fisher syndrome due to the presence of diplopia, ataxia and hyporeflexia with spontaneous recovery. Repetitive nerve stimulation test was normal. Four years later, after several relapses, there was significant decrement on facial muscles. Neostigmine test was negative, provoking muscle fasciculations. Serum anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies were positive. With cyclosporine therapy she achieved the minimal manifestations status. CONCLUSION: The presented case confirms that childhood onset myasthenia gravis associated with anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies is often with atypical presentation and spontaneous remissions, so it could be easily misdiagnosed.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma in a patient with miller fisher syndrome without pupillary dysfunction.

PURPOSE: To report a case of an angle-closure glaucoma in a patient with Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) without pupillary dysfunction. METHODS: We present a case report of a 75-year-old male presenting with total ophthalmoplegia, complete bilateral ptosis, and gait disturbance. He was diagnosed with MFS without pupillary dysfunction, which precipitated unilateral acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) due to complete lid ptosis. RESULTS: The initial ocular examination revealed hand motion in the right eye. Intraocular pressure, as assessed by Goldmann applanation tonometry, was 50 mm Hg, and gonioscopic findings revealed a closed angle on the right eye. After maximal tolerated medical therapy, laser peripheral iridotomy was performed. The unilateral AACG with MFS resolved without further incident. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of a patient with MFS without autonomic dysfunction and AACG. We believe that pupillary dysfunction or lid ptosis due to neurological disorders may increase the possibility of AACG.

A rare case of complete bilateral ophthalmoplegia and ptosis.

We describe the case of an 85-year-old gentleman admitted with bilateral ptosis and complete bilateral ocular paralysis. Initial differential diagnoses included myasthenia gravis, diabetic cranial neuropathy, an ischaemic event and possible occult neoplasm. Investigations did not support any of the differentials and Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) was considered. Anti-GQ1b IgG antibody was positive, supporting the possibility of anti-ganglioside syndrome. This gentleman was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and made a full recovery.

Síndrome anti-GQ1b: Descripción de cuatro pacientes y revisión de la literatura / Anti-GQ1b syndrome: Report of four cases

Anti-GQ1b syndrome includes Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS), Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS), Bickerstaff`s brain stem encephalitis (BBE) and Acute Ophtamoplegia (AO). We report four patients aged 16 to 76 years, with anti-GQ1b syndrome. All presented with MFS, one of them evolved to GBS pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant and other to GBS with BBE. All had a previous history of diarrhea or upper respiratory tract infection. All had positive anti-GQ1b serum antibodies. Both brain magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were normal. Electrophysiology studies were compatible with a demyelinating disease. Two patients needed airway protection with an orotracheal tube and developed dysautonomia. All four patients were treated with immunomodulation. On the sixth month follow-up, patients had only minimal alterations in the neurological examination.

Miller Fisher syndrome mimicking ocular myasthenia gravis.

PURPOSE.: Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare immune-mediated neuropathy that commonly presents with diplopia after the acute onset of complete bilateral external ophthalmoplegia. Ophthalmoplegia is often accompanied by other neurological deficits such as ataxia and areflexia that characterize MFS. Although MFS is a clinical diagnosis, serological confirmation is possible by identifying the anti-GQ1b antibody found in most of the affected patients. We report a patient with MFS who presented with clinical signs suggestive of ocular myasthenia gravis but in whom the correct diagnosis was made on the basis of serological testing for the anti-GQ1b antibody. CASE REPORT.: An 81-year-old white man presented with an acute onset of diplopia after a mild gastrointestinal illness. Clinical examination revealed complete bilateral external ophthalmoplegia and left-sided ptosis. He developed more marked bilateral ptosis, left greater than right, with prolonged attempted upgaze. He was also noted to have a Cogan lid twitch. Same day evaluation by a neuro-ophthalmologist revealed mild left-sided facial and bilateral orbicularis oculi weakness. He had no limb ataxia but exhibited a slightly wide-based gait with difficulty walking heel-to-toe. A provisional diagnosis of ocular myasthenia gravis was made, and anticholinesterase inhibitor therapy was initiated. However, his symptoms did not improve, and serological testing was positive for the anti-GQ1b immunoglobulin G antibody, supporting a diagnosis of MFS. CONCLUSIONS.: Although the predominant ophthalmic feature of MFS is complete bilateral external ophthalmoplegia, it should be recognized that MFS has variable associations with lid and pupillary dysfunction. Such confounding neuro-ophthalmic features require a thorough history, neurological examination, neuroimaging, and serological testing for the anti-GQ1b antibody to arrive at a diagnosis of MFS.

Síndrome de Miller Fisher: a propósito de un caso clínico / Miller Fisher syndrome: apropos of clinical case

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de Miller Fisher es la variante más frecuente del síndrome de Guillain Barré, llegando a una prevalencia del 5 por ciento de entre todas sus variantes. Fue descrito por Charles Miller Fisher en 1956, quien lo expuso como una variante inusual de una polineuritis idiopática aguda. Se caracteriza por la presentación aguda de una polineuropatía, asociada a la tríada de oftalmoplejía, ataxia y arreflexia; pudiendo progresar a un compromiso respiratorio con riesgo vital. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: En el siguiente artículo, se expone el caso clínico de un paciente pesquisado en una revisión retrospectiva de los egresos del servicio de neurología del Hospital Clínico Herminda Martin, el que fue diagnosticado como síndrome de MillerFisher. Se trata del caso de un paciente varón de 77 años, con antecedentes de cardiopatía no precisada e hipercolesterolemia, que se presenta en policlínico de neurología con disartria, ataxia, paraparesia y oftalmoplejía. DISCUSIÓN: Se realizará un análisis contrastado entre la presentación, evolución, tratamiento y datos pesquisados durante su estadía, en relación al manejo y características encontradas en la bibliografía consultada.

INTRODUCTION: Miller Fisher syndrome is the most common variant of Guillain Barré syndrome, reaching a prevalence of 5 percent among all its variants. It was described by Charles Miller Fisherin 1956, who exposed him as an unusual variant of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. It is characterized by acute onset of polyneuropathy, associated with the triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and areflexia, and may progress to life-threatening respiratory compromise. CASE REPORT: The following article presents a case of a patient researched in a retrospective review of the hospital discharges of the department of neurology of Hospital Clínico Herminda Martin, who was diagnosed as Miller Fisher syndrome. This is the case of a 77years old male patient with a history of unspecified coronary heart disease, and hypercholesterolemia, who was presented in the emergency unit with dysarthria, ataxia, paraparesis and ophthalmoplegia. DISCUSSION: We will make an analysis contrast between the presentation, treatment and data collected made during his stay, in relation to the handling and features found in the literature.

Síndrome de Miller Fisher: considerações diagnósticas e diagnósticos diferenciais / Miller Fisher syndrome: diagnosis considerations and differentials diagnosis

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A síndrome de Miller Fisher apresenta a tríade oftalmoplegia, ataxia e arreflexia e, em muitas situações pode ser confundida com a doença de Guillian-Barré ou com a encefalite de Bickerstaff, em que ocorre um acometimento dos níveis de consciência. O objetivo deste estudo foi alertar para o possível diagnóstico de Miller Fisher, uma variante da síndrome de Guillain-Barré, abordando algumas recentes descobertas envolvidas com sua fisiopatologia como também, considerando alguns dos seus principais diagnósticos diferenciais. CONTEÚDO: A presença de anticorpos IgG anti-GQ1b pode ser um mecanismo importante na fisiopatologia da síndrome, porém ainda há controvérsias, desde que a simples presença desses anticorpos não garante o aparecimento da síndrome e alguns nervos em que se encontram depósitos desses anticorpos não apresentam alterações. Infecções respiratórias ou do trato gastrintestinal pregressas podem ser encontradas em 70% dos casos de Miller Fisher o que sugere um processo imunológico com reação cruzada aos agentes etiológicos dessas condições clínicas. CONCLUSÃO: A identificação precoce do quadro e o tratamento com gamaglobulina e/ou plasmaférese pode modificar em muito a evolução do quadro e permitir um prognóstico mais favorável, mesmo que ainda não se saiba o real processo fisiopatológico envolvido nessa doença.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Miller Fisher syndrome comes with ophtalmoplegia, ataxia, and arreflexia and, in many situations, has a similar presentation as Guillain-Barré syndrome or Bickerstaff disease. In this last condition, loss of conscious nessmay be present. In this review we were warning for a possible Miller Fisher syndrome, a Guillain-Barre syndrome variant,showing some news pathophysiology aspects and some differentials diagnosis. CONTENTS: IgG anti GQb1 antibodies can play an important role in the pathophysiology but controversies exist, since the presence of these antibodies does not guarantee the presence of the disease. Some peripheral nerves where antibodies are deposited do not present alterations. Respiratory or gastrointestinal tract infections may precede Miller Fisher in 70% of the cases,suggesting that an immunologic cross reaction can trigger thesyndrome. CONCLUSION: The precocious identification of this clinical picture as well an early treatment with gammaglobulin and or plasmapheresis can deeply modify the progression of the disease and allow a much better prognosis.