Comparing FGFR-3 and TS-HDS Seropositive Small Fiber Neuropathy: Unique Patient Features, Symptoms, Laboratory, and Nerve Conduction Study Findings.

OBJECTIVES: Small fiber neuropathy presents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. To solve this challenge, efforts have been made to identify autoantibodies associated with this condition. Previous literature has often considered tri-sulfated heparin disaccharide (TS-HDS) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) as a singular seropositive group and/or focused primarily on symptomatic associations. METHODS: One hundred seventy-two small fiber neuropathy patients with a Washington University Sensory Neuropathy panel were selected for TS-HDS seropositivity, FGFR-3 seropositivity, and seronegative controls. Data were collected to on the demographic, symptomatic, and laboratory profiles of each subgroup. RESULTS: Percent female (P = 0.0043), frequency of neuropathic pain symptoms (P = 0.0074), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.0293), vitamin D (P < 0.0001), and vitamin B12 (P = 0.0033) differed between the groups. Skin biopsy was more frequently normal within both the FGFR-3 and the TS-HDS cohort (P = 0.0253). CONCLUSIONS: TS-HDS and FGFR-3 display a distinct phenotype from both controls and one another. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) against FGFR-3 and IgM against TS-HDS may be individually valuable markers for the development of distinct clinical phenotypes.

From (Cat) Scratch: A Unique Presentation of Central Nervous System Bartonella Infection.

Central nervous system manifestations of Bartonella species are rare and include meningitis, neuroretinitis, encephalitis, and isolated optic neuritis. We present the case of a 28-year-old woman who presented with a four-month history of progressive, asymmetric, bilateral painless vision loss. Her past medical history was significant for systemic lupus erythematosus. Notably, she had been on a high dose of prednisone for her immunosuppressive regimen. Brain MRI showed numerous contrast-enhancing lesions scattered throughout bilateral cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres and brainstem. She underwent a brain biopsy, and infection with Bartonella henselae was confirmed via a polymerase chain reaction. The patient was started on doxycycline and rifampin with improvement in vision and resolution of lesions as confirmed by a follow-up brain MRI. The literature review did not reveal any cases of multiple brain abscesses due to central nervous system Bartonella. Our case report aims to promote consider Bartonella infection as a cause of multiple brain abscesses in immunocompromised patients. It is essential to note that Bartonella can imitate other central nervous system infections, including toxoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, cysticercosis, and tuberculomas. Early identification is crucial as prompt treatment can lead to a complete cure.

Levodopa-Responsive Parkinsonian Syndrome Secondary to a Compressive Craniopharyngioma: A Case Report.

Parkinsonism is a rare manifestation of brain tumors that has most commonly been reported in association with gliomas and meningiomas. In this paper, we describe a unique case of secondary Parkinsonism that was precipitated by a craniopharyngioma. A 42-year-old female presented with resting tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Her past medical history was significant for a craniopharyngioma resection four months prior. The postoperative course was complicated by severe delirium, panhypopituitarism, and diabetes insipidus. Notably, she was taking haloperidol and aripiprazole daily for four months to manage her delirium and psychotic episodes. Her preoperative brain MRI showed a compressive effect of the craniopharyngioma on the midbrain and nigrostriatum. Drug-induced Parkinsonism was initially suspected given extended treatment with antipsychotics. Haloperidol and aripiprazole were stopped, and benztropine was started with no improvement. Consequently, the patient was treated with carbidopa/levodopa with symptomatic improvement. A dopamine transporter (DaT) scan was done after starting carbidopa/levodopa and showed asymmetric decreased uptake in dopamine transporter in the striatum. Only one other case of Parkinsonism following craniopharyngioma resection was found in the literature review. Unlike our example, the symptoms resolved following surgical intervention and did not require a long-term treatment with carbidopa/levodopa. The purpose of our case report is to highlight brain tumors as a potential cause of secondary Parkinsonism in younger patients for an early surgical intervention can be curative.