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POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome due to an underlying plasma cell disorder. The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome can be a challenge. A good history, physical examination, and appropriate testing can aid in establishing its diagnosis. We are presenting the case of a 75-year-old man who was diagnosed with POEMS syndrome.
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Resumen El linfoma de Hodgkin (LH) comprende un grupo heterogéneo de neoplasias linfoides cuyo origen radica en linfocitos B. Las manifestaciones neurológicas de dicha enfermedad son infrecuentes, pudiendo tener su origen por invasión directa de las células neoplásicas en el sistema nervioso, o indirectamente, a través de síndromes paraneoplásicos o como complicación del tratamiento. Dentro de los síndromes neurológicos paraneoplásicos que afectan a pacientes con LH, la degeneración cerebelosa paraneoplásica es la más frecuente. Otros reportados con menor frecuencia en series de casos o casos aislados incluyen encefalitis límbica, neuronopatía sensitiva, motora y autonómica. Estos pueden ser la manifestación inicial de la enfer medad neoplásica, y la falta de conocimiento de dicha asociación puede retrasar el diagnóstico, con inicio tardío del tratamiento y peor pronóstico. Reportamos el caso de una mujer con LH que presentó al inicio de su enfermedad neuronopatía sensitiva y autonómica como manifestaciones neurológicas paraneoplásicas. Una vez iniciado el tratamiento específico para su lin foma, la neuronopatía autonómica tuvo resolución casi completa a diferencia de la neuronopatía sensitiva, la cual demostró escasa recuperación.
Abstract Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) comprises a heterogeneous group of lymphoid neoplasms whose origin lies in B lym phocytes. The neurological manifestations of this pathol ogy are infrequent, and may arise from direct invasion of neoplastic cells to the nervous system, or indirectly, through paraneoplastic syndromes or as a complication of treatment. Among the neurological paraneoplastic syndromes that affect patients with HL, paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration is the most common. Other few cases include limbic encephalitis, sensory, motor, and autonomic neuronopathy. These syndromes can be the initial manifestation of neoplastic disease, and the lack of information regarding this association can lead to a delay in diagnosis and consequently in the initiation of therapy worsening the prognosis. We report the case of a woman with HL who presented sensory and autonomic neuronopathy at the onset of her disease as paraneo plastic neurological manifestations. After the initiation of the specific treatment for the lymphoma, the autonomic neuronopathy had almost complete resolution, unlike the sensory neuronopathy, which showed limited recovery.
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Resumen La intoxicación por metanol puede ocurrir de forma inadvertida por la ingesta de bebidas alcohólicas adulteradas. Se trata una entidad poco frecuente, sin embargo, se ha reportado un aumento en la incidencia durante la pandemia de COVID-19. La intoxicación con metanol representa una urgencia médica, ya que puede provocar daño severo en el sistema nervioso central y periférico, además de acidosis metabólica, daño renal agudo e incluso la muerte. En este artículo se presenta el caso de un paciente que cursó con intoxicación por metanol de manera inadvertida al consumir bebidas alcohólicas presumiblemente adulteradas. En el encéfalo se demostró necrosis hemorrágica de ambos núcleos putamen, además de cursar con neuritis óptica bilateral y polineuropatía periférica. Fue manejado con pulsos de esteroides intravenosos, con lo cual, mejoró significativamente su función visual, sensitiva y motora. En el presente caso no existieron complicaciones fatales y presentó una buena respuesta al tratamiento, sin embargo, el caso pone de relieve la necesidad de una mejor regulación en la producción y comercialización de bebidas alcohólicas en nuestro país, y, por otro lado, permite hacer a un llamado a los consumidores a tomar más precauciones en el consumo de bebidas alcohólicas de dudosa calidad o procedencia.
Abstract Methanol poisoning can occur unnoticed, by the ingestion of adulterated alcoholic beverages. In general, it is a rare entity, however, an increase in incidence has been reported during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methanol poisoning represents a medical emergency as it can cause severe damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury, and even death. This article presents the case of a patient who inadvertently developed methanol intoxication after consuming presumably adulterated alcoholic beverages. In the brain, hemorrhagic necrosis of both putamen nuclei was demonstrated, in addition to presenting with bilateral optic neuritis and peripheral polyneuropathy. He was managed with intravenous steroid pulses, which significantly improved his visual, sensory, and motor function. In the present case there were no fatal complications and presented a good response to treatment, however, the case highlights the need for better regulation in the production and marketing of alcoholic beverages in our country, and on the other hand, to invite consumers to take more precautions in the consumption of alcoholic beverages of dubious quality or origin.
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La enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob (ECJ) es una rara enfermedad neurodegenerativa con una alta incidencia en Chile respecto del resto del mundo. El cuadro se caracteriza principalmente por desarrollo de demencia rápidamente progresiva y diversos signos neurológicos inespecíficos, siendo el más frecuente la mioclonía. El caso que se describirá a continuación destaca por las manifestaciones iniciales atípicas que presentó el paciente, tales como compromiso sensitivo en región cráneo-cérvico-dorsal y polineuropatía periférica de extremidades inferiores (EEII), lo que significó un retraso en el diagnóstico clínico de la ECJ. Es importante conocer los diferentes síntomas y signos que pueden presentarse en el cuadro clínico de ECJ, tanto típicos como aquellos menos frecuentes, para así poder dar con el diagnóstico de la enfermedad en etapas más tempranas. De igual manera, es fundamental contar con herramientas diagnósticas como la detección de proteína 14-3-3 o proteína Tau en los centros de salud de nuestro país. Esto permitiría al equipo de salud, brindar un manejo de soporte adecuado y oportuno a estos pacientes.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare neurodegenerative disease with a high incidence in Chile compared to the rest of the world. The condition is mainly characterized by the development of rapidly progressive dementia and various nonspecific neurological signs, the most common being myoclonus. The case that will be described below stands out for the atypical initial manifestations that the patient presented, such as sensory compromise in the cranio-cervico-dorsal region and peripheral polyneuropathy of the lower extremities, which meant a delay in the clinical diagnosis of the disease. It is important to know the different symptoms and signs that can be present in the clinical picture of CJD, both typical and those less frequent, in order to be able to diagnose the disease in earlier stages. Similarly, it is essential to have diagnostic tools such as the detection of 14-3-3 protein or Tau protein in health centers in our country. This would allow the health team to provide adequate and timely support management to these patients.
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Introducción: Las manifestaciones clínicas del síndrome de Guillain Barré y de la miositis viral aguda son diferentes. Ambos cuadros suelen ser autolimitados y pueden manifestarse tras un cuadro infeccioso. Objetivo: Informar acerca de una presentación inusual de dos afecciones en un mismo paciente. Presentación del caso: Niña de 4 años de edad, quien presenta síntomas de una miositis viral aguda, la que al mejorar, hizo más evidente la sintomatología característica del síndrome de Guillain Barré. El caso se confirmó a través de estudios hematológicos, citología de líquido cefalorraquídeo y estudios neurofisiológicos. La paciente recibió tratamiento con inmunoglobulina G humana intravenoso durante 5 días, tras lo cual presentó mejoría de los síntomas neurológicos. Conclusiones: La afectación del músculo y del sistema nervioso periférico pueden coexistir en la población pediátrica, pero no es condición usual, por lo que se necesita realizar más investigación para poder describir mejor esta entidad y su pronóstico.
Introduction: The clinical manifestations of Guillain Barré syndrome and acute viral myositis are different. Both conditions are usually self-limiting and can manifest after an infectious process. Objective: To report an unusual presentation of two conditions in the same patient. Case presentation: A 4-year-old girl presented with symptoms of acute viral myositis, which, with improvement, made more evident the characteristic symptoms of Guillain Barré syndrome. The case was confirmed through hematological studies, cerebrospinal fluid cytology and neurophysiological studies. The patient was treated with intravenous human immunoglobulin G for 5 days, after which she showed improvement of the neurological symptoms. Conclusions: The involvement of the muscle and the peripheral nervous system may coexist in the pediatric population, but it is not a usual condition, so more research is needed to better describe this entity and its prognosis.
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Abstract Introduction Viral infections, such as infection by SARS-CoV-2, can affect gait biomechanics, but this effect can be overlapped by consequences of critical illness and time in intensive care unit. Objective To report biomechanical alterations during the clinical evolution of a post-COVID-19 patient who presented severe motor impairment after intensive care. Methods Data was collected from the patient's chart at José Silveira Foundation and previous medical reports from the hospitalization period. The patient was wheelchair bound, with physiotherapy twice a week, and by the end of 1-year follow-up was able to walk independently. Three-dimensional gait analysis with kinetics and electromyography were conducted at three time points. Results All spatiotemporal gait parameters, kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic data was importantly altered when compared to the normal range of values. With physiotherapy, gait quality indicators showed important improvements and all muscles presented a significant increase in the magnitude of the electromyographic signal (at least a two-fold increase). Trunk kinematic alterations decreased significantly during this period. Kinetic and kinematic changes perceived in the hips, knees and ankles showed approximation to the expected pattern, however still without normalizing, and patient's muscle coordination improved over time. Conclusion This report has great clinical importance, as it describes, using an instrumented gait laboratory, the evolution of a patient with severe motor impairment post intensive care due to COVID-19, a condition in lack of description in the literature, which will help health professionals in the planning of rehabilitation strategies.
Resumo Introdução Infecções virais, como a infecção por SARS-CoV-2, podem afetar a biomecânica da marcha, mas esse efeito pode ser sobreposto por consequências de doença crítica e tempo em unidade de terapia intensiva. Objetivo Relatar as alterações biomecânicas durante a evolução clínica de um paciente pós-COVID-19 que apresentou comprometimento motor severo após terapia intensiva. Métodos Os dados foram coletados a partir do prontuário do paciente na Fundação José Silveira e dos relatórios médicos anteriores referentes ao período de inter-nação. O paciente estava em cadeira de rodas, com fisioterapia duas vezes por semana, e ao final de 1 ano de acompanhamento era capaz de deambular de forma independente. A análise tridimensional da marcha com cinética e eletromiografia foi realizada em três momentos. Resultados Todos os parâmetros espaço-temporais da marcha, dados cinemáticos, cinéticos e eletromiográficos estavam significativamente alterados quando comparados com a faixa normal de valores. Com a fisioterapia, os indicadores de qualidade da marcha apresentaram melhorias importantes e todos os músculos apresentaram um aumento significativo na magnitude do sinal eletromiográfico (aumento de pelo menos duas vezes). As alterações cinemáticas do tronco diminuíram significativamente neste período. As alterações cinéticas e cinemáticas percebidas nos quadris, joelhos e tornozelos mostraram aproximação do padrão esperado, porém ainda sem normalização, e a coordenação muscular do paciente melhorou com o passar do tempo. Conclusão Este relato é de grande importância clínica, pois descreve, por meio de um laboratório de marcha instrumentado, a evolução de um paciente com comprometimento motor severo após terapia intensiva por COVID-19, quadro pouco descrito na literatura, o que ajudará profissionais de saúde no planejamento de estratégias de reabilitação.
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OBJECTIVE@#To analyze and compare the characteristics and causes of F wave changes in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth1A (CMT1A) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).@*METHODS@#Thirty patients with CMT1A and 30 patients with CIDP were enrolled in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2012 to December 2018. Their clinical data, electrophysiological data(nerve conduction velocity, F wave and H reflex) and neurological function scores were recorded. Some patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging of brachial plexus and lumbar plexus, and the results were analyzed and compared.@*RESULTS@#The average motor conduction velocity (MCV) of median nerve was (21.10±10.60) m/s in CMT1A and (31.52±12.46) m/s in CIDP. There was a significant difference between the two groups (t=-6.75, P < 0.001). About 43.3% (13/30) of the patients with CMT1A did not elicit F wave in ulnar nerve, which was significantly higher than that of the patients with CIDP (4/30, 13.3%), χ2=6.65, P=0.010. Among the patients who could elicit F wave, the latency of F wave in CMT1A group was (52.40±17.56) ms and that in CIDP group was (42.20±12.73) ms. There was a significant difference between the two groups (t=2.96, P=0.006). The occurrence rate of F wave in CMT1A group was 34.6%±39%, and that in CIDP group was 70.7%±15.2%. There was a significant difference between the two groups (t=-5.13, P < 0.001). The MCV of median nerve in a patient with anti neurofascin 155 (NF155) was 23.22 m/s, the latency of F wave was 62.9-70.7 ms, and the occurrence rate was 85%-95%. The proportion of brachial plexus and lumbar plexus thickening in CMT1A was 83.3% (5/6) and 85.7% (6/7), respectively. The proportion of brachial plexus and lumbar plexus thickening in the CIDP patients was only 25.0% (1/4, 2/8). The nerve roots of brachial plexus and lumbar plexus were significantly thickened in a patient with anti NF155 antibody.@*CONCLUSION@#The prolonged latency of F wave in patients with CMT1A reflects the homogenous changes in both proximal and distal peripheral nerves, which can be used as a method to differentiate the CIDP patients characterized by focal demyelinating pathology. Moreover, attention should be paid to differentiate it from the peripheral neuropathy caused by anti NF155 CIDP. Although F wave is often used as an indicator of proximal nerve injury, motor neuron excitability, anterior horn cells, and motor nerve myelin sheath lesions can affect its latency and occurrence rate. F wave abnormalities need to be comprehensively analyzed in combination with the etiology, other electrophysiological results, and MRI imaging.
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Humans , Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating/pathology , Median Nerve/pathology , Ulnar Nerve/pathology , Brachial Plexus/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methodsABSTRACT
@#Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in northeastern Yunnan Province, China, and to provide a basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of GBS in this region. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of inpatients with GBS in the Department of Neurology, Qujing No. 1 Hospital from February 2018 to October 2022, who were mainly from the northeastern regions of Yunnan Province. We compared the clinical characteristics of GBS reported in different regions of China in recent years. Results A total of 112 patients meeting the criteria were retrospectively included in this study, including 49 cases of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) and 33 cases of acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN). In this cohort of patients, GBS occurred frequently in spring and winter, especially in spring (38 cases, 33.9%). AIDP was more common in winter (15 cases, 30.6%), while AMAN was more common in spring (14 cases, 42.4%). The median age of onset was 56 years (range: 8 to 83 years), peaking at the age of 60 to 69 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.60 (69∶43). Upper respiratory tract infection (25 cases, 22.3%) and gastroenteritis (14 cases, 12.5%) were the most common among prodromal infections. AIDP was the most common subtype (49 cases, 51.6%). There were no significant differences between the AIDP and AMAN groups in age of onset, prodromal infection, initial symptoms, clinical manifestations, cerebrospinal fluid protein levels, or therapeutic effects (P>0.05). Twelve patients (10.7%) required mechanical ventilation at nadir. The patients with mechanical ventilation had higher proportions of cranial nerve involvement compared with those without mechanical ventilation, especially in the proportion of dysphagia (75.0% vs 32.0%, P=0.008 1). Upper respiratory tract infection was the main prodromal event of GBS in Dali of Yunnan Province and the southern and eastern regions of China, where the proportions ranged from 22% to 35%. Gastroenteritis was more common in the northern region of China, accounting for 24%. AMAN was the predominant GBS subtype in northern (40%) and eastern (35%) China, while AIDP was the predominant subtype in southern China (49%). Conclusion GBS showed disparities in different regions, with the demyelinating subtype dominant in northeastern Yunnan Province. GBS mainly occurred in men and at the age of 60-69 years, with a double-peak distribution. Gastrointestinal and respiratory infections remained the major prodromal events in this region. Cranial nerve involvement, especially bulbar muscle involvement, might be associated with the risk of mechanical ventilation.
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Objective:To study the clinical features of transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy (ATTR-PN) caused by Ser77Tyr mutation.Methods:The clinical data of a patient with ATTR-PN caused by Ser77Tyr mutation, admitted to our hospital from Department of Neurology, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, were retrospectively analyzed. Literature on patients with ATTR-PN caused by Ser77Tyr mutation in Pubmed, Web of Science, CNKI and Wanfang databases and those with ATTR-PN caused by Val30Met mutation in Pubmed and Web of Science were searched and screened, and clinical characteristics of these patients were extracted. The differences of clinical characteristics among patients with ATTR-PN caused by Ser77Tyr or Val30Met mutations were compared.Results:(1) Transthyroxin ( TTR) gene Sanger sequencing results showed Ser77Tyr heterozygous pathogenic mutation; Congo red staining of biopsy sample in the patient 2.5 years after onset showed amyloid deposition. (2) Seventy-eight patients with ATTR-PN caused by Ser77Tyr mutation were summarized, they mostly had onset at 50-60 years old; male patients had higher incidence (74.4%); most patients (78.0%) had positive family history; most patients had sensory symptoms as initial symptom (72.0%), which gradually progressed to extensive peripheral nerve involvement and combined with widespread heart damage (96.4%) over several years; electrophysiological examination mainly showed axonal damage and carpal tunnel syndrome; the tissue biopsy had high positive rate(84.8%). (3) There were 192 and 96 patients with ATTR-PN caused by early-onset and late-onset Val30Met mutations, respectively; compared with patients with ATTR-PN caused by early-onset Val30Met mutation, patients with ATTR-PN caused by Ser77Tyr mutation had significantly higher incidence of deep sensory disturbance (28.6% vs. 58.5%, P<0.05). Compared with patients with ATTR-PN caused by late-onset Val30Met mutation, patients with ATTR-PN caused by Ser77Tyr mutation had increased incidence of mild sensory disturbance (56.3% vs. 75.0%) and decreased incidence of limb weakness (65.6% vs. 48.3%), with significant differences ( P<0.05). ATTR-PN patients caused by Ser77Tyr mutation had significantly higher incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome than ATTR-PN patients caused by early-onset and late-onset Val30Met mutations (75.4% vs. 10.8% and 25.0%) and significantly higher incidence of cardiac damage than ATTR-PN patients caused by early-onset Val30Met mutation (96.4% vs. 80.5%, P<0.05). Conclusion:Ser77Tyr mutation has some distinctive clinical features: relatively balanced damage of large and small fibers, prominent carpal tunnel syndrome, and obvious heart disease; early identification of these features and administration of tissue biopsy and gene detection are helpful for early diagnosis.
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N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis in combination with acute peripheral nerve damage is rare. A young female patient with anti-NMDAR encephalitis was admitted to Qianfoshan Hospital in Shandong Province on October 23, 2022. The main manifestations were abnormal mental behavior, consciousness disorders, and flaccid paralysis. Electromyography indicated axonal damage to the upper and lower extremities. Patient was in critical condition and admitted to the ICU with tracheal intubation for central hypoventilation. A combination of critical polyneuropathy was considered. The prognosis was good after hormone shock, immunosuppressive therapy, surgical therapy, anti-infection, respiratory support and symptomatic support. The diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis with acute peripheral nerve damage is difficult. Immune factors need to be considered and paraneoplastic syndrome should be differentially diagnosed.
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Introducción: Una de las complicaciones de la reactivación del virus de la varicela-zóster es el compromiso de los nervios craneales; sin embargo, es inusual que se presente como una oftalmoplejía completa. Objetivo: Describir el caso de un adulto inmunocompetente que desarrolló una oftalmoplejía infecciosa por reactivación del virus de la varicela-zóster. Caso clínico: El paciente presentó alteración completa de la motilidad de los músculos extraoculares del ojo izquierdo con compromiso del reflejo pupilar, disminución en la agudeza visual y neuralgia trigeminal concomitante; no tuvo signos o síntomas sugestivos de encefalitis o meningitis. Días antes de la oftalmoplejía aparecieron vesículas en la región frontal y periorbitaria izquierdas. Mediante el estudio del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) con panel para meningitis/encefalitis FilmArray® se documentó positividad solo para el virus de la varicela-zóster. El paciente fue tratado con aciclovir, esteroides y neuromoduladores, con lo cual obtuvo mejoría parcial de sus síntomas a las dos semanas. La discusión se realizó a partir de los pocos reportes de casos encontrados en diferentes bases de datos. Conclusiones: Este caso amplía el entendimiento clínico y terapéutico de una manifestación inusual de esta enfermedad frecuente, que combina un compromiso patológico de varios nervios craneales por la reactivación del virus de la varicela-zóster.
Introduction: Cranial nerve involvement is one of the complications of varicella-zoster virus reactivation; however, presenting complete ophthalmoplegia is unusual. Objective: To describe the case of an immunocompetent adult who developed an infectious ophthalmoplegia due to varicella-zoster virus reactivation. Clinical case: The patient presented complete alteration of the extraocular muscle motility of the left eye with pupillary reflex compromise, decrease in visual acuity and concomitant trigeminal neuralgia. The patient did not present signs or symptoms suggestive of encephalitis or meningitis. Days before the ophthalmoplegia, vesicles appeared in the left frontal and periorbital regions. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination with FilmArray® meningitis/encephalitis panel documented positivity for varicella-zoster virus only. The patient was treated with acyclovir, steroids and neuromodulators, resulting in partial improvement of his symptoms after two weeks. The discussion was based on the few case reports found in different databases. Conclusions: This case broadens the clinical and therapeutic understanding of an unusual manifestation of this common disease, which combines pathologic involvement of several cranial nerves due to varicella-zoster virus reactivation.
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HumansABSTRACT
Objectives: As neuropathy predominates vasculopathy, predicting functional deterioration of autonomic neurovascular dysfunction is essential to reduce diabetic foot ulcers. The present study has evaluated the possibility of stimulating the TRPV1 receptors of the small fibres using topical capsaicin to assess diabetic neuropathy in the dorsum of the foot functionally. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out on ten healthy volunteers and 20 diabetic patients after receiving ethical approval. The subjects underwent vascular Doppler analysis after giving written agreement followed by monofilament testing. Then, topical capsaicin was applied to measure the local autonomic neurovascular reaction. With the use of an infrared-based digital instrument that was specially created, the vasodilation and proportional increase in temperature brought on by the application of capsaicin were quantified. Results: The percentage change in the local temperature in the control group varied from 0.478 to 3.315 compared to the diabetic group, which varied from 1.862 to ?3.932. There is a statistically significant difference in the mean of the two groups (P = 0.006) at a 95% confidence interval. Conclusion: This study suggests that TRPV1 receptor stimulation using capsaicin and resultant vasodilation monitored by the increase in local temperature can be used as a quantitative predictor of the early small fibre neuropathy in Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy before the patient ends up with diabetic foot ulcer.
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El síndrome POEMS es un trastorno paraneoplásico raro y poco frecuente, que se presenta principalmente en la sexta década de la vida, caracterizado por el compromiso multisistémico con predominio de neuropatía desmielinizante. Abarca diversas y heterogéneas manifestaciones clínicas y su diagnóstico requiere un alto índice de sospecha. Se presentan dos casos de pacientes que consultaron por cuadros poco frecuentes en los que la pérdida de la fuerza orientó al acercamiento de una afectación multisistémica que concluyó con el diagnóstico de esta enfermedad(AU)
POEMS syndrome is a rare and infrequent paraneoplastic syndrome, which occurs mainly in the sixth decade of life, characterized by multisystem involvement with a predominance of demyelinating neuropathy, which encompasses diverse and heterogeneous clinical manifestations and whose diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. We present two cases of patients who consulted due to unusual symptoms and whose loss of strength led to an approach due to multisystem involvement that concluded with the diagnosis of this disease(AU)
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Humans , Male , Female , Paraproteinemias , Polyneuropathies/epidemiology , POEMS Syndrome/diagnosis , Colombia , Endocrine System Diseases/epidemiologyABSTRACT
AIDP (Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) is a heterogenous condition encompassing several variants. It is a post infectious neurological disorder with an autoimmune pathogenesis with molecular mimicry mechanism. They present commonly with symmetrical ascending type paralysis and absent or diminished deep tendon reflexes. Cranial nerve palsies may or may not be present. The diagnosis is based on the clinical signs and symptoms, nerve conduction studies and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. We herewith report a rare case of AIDP, where the patient came walking to the emergency room with pain abdomen as the only complaint and had no neurological deficits at the time of presentation, hours later, the patient went into cardiac arrest, the cause of which was later thought to be dysautonomia and respiratory failure. The next day, patient developed motor weakness and multiple cranial nerve palsies which is an overlap of AMSAN and Acute Ophthalmoplegia. It is extremely uncommon to present with pain abdomen and cardiac arrest as presenting features in AIDP, AMSAN (Acute Motor Sensory Axonal Neuropathy) variety.
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Introdução: Síndrome POEMS trata de um raro evento paraneoplásico, sem relato atual na literatura sobre sua real prevalência. A maior parte dos casos ocorre em homens de meia idade. Relato do Caso:Paciente masculino, 65 anos, com queixa edema e parestesia em pernas que evoluiu para plegia, associada a hiporexia e fadiga. Investigação ambulatorial inicial evidenciou Polirradiculoneuropatia Inflamatória Desmielinizante Crônica (PIDC) de etiologia indefinida. Excluídos secundarismos, o paciente foi diagnosticado com hipotireoidismo primário, hipogonadismo severo, lesões hipercrômicas em pele, ascite, derrame pleural e trombocitose, além de gamopatia monoclonal IgA Lambda por imunofixação sérica. Sorologias virais negativas. Excluída a possibilidade de Mieloma Múltiplo e outras gamopatias, foi aventada a hipótese de Síndrome POEMS, sendo realizada dosagem de VEGF plasmática (425 pg/mL; VR = <96.2). Trata-se de um caso atípico na medida em que, lesões ósseas, presentes em até 97% dos casos, não foram evidenciadas no paciente em questão, tornando desafiador o diagnóstico. Conclusões: O diagnóstico de síndromes raras, embora desafiante, traz ao clínico um olhar mais amplo do paciente na medida em que incrementa o raciocínio clínico. [au]
Introduction: POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic event, with no current report in the literature about its real prevalence. Most cases occur in middle-aged men. Case Report: Male patient, 65 years old, complaining of edema and paresthesia in the legs that evolved to plegia, associated with hyporexia and fatigue. Initial outpatient investigation revealed Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) of undefined etiology. Excluding secondaries, the patient was diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism, severe hypogonadism, hyperchromic skin lesions, ascites, pleural effusion and thrombocytosis, in addition to monoclonal IgA Lambda gammopathy by serum immunofixation. Viral serologies was negative. Excluding the possibility of Multiple Myeloma and other gammopathies, the hypothesis of POEMS Syndrome was raised, and plasma VEGF measurement was performed (425 pg/mL; RV = <96.2). This is an atypical case in that bone lesions, present in up to 97% of cases, were not evidenced in the patient in question, making the diagnosis challenging. Conclusions: The diagnosis of rare syndromes, although challenging, brings the clinician a broader view of the patient as it increases clinical reasoning. [au]
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Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis is a multisystemic autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by progressive distal sensory-motor polyneuropathy or restrictive cardiomyopathy, secondary to amyloid deposits. Its pathogenesis lies in the TTR gene mutation, and the Val50Met mutation is the most frequent. Patients have significant differences in the onset and severity of clinical presentation according to their country of origin. The diagnosis of this pathology is complex, even more in countries where it is not considered endemic. However, early suspicion and management are essential to improve survival and avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We report a 69-year-old woman who presented a sensory-motor polyneuropathy, predominantly sensory, associated with distal neuropathic pain and bilateral vitritis. The history of her Italian father with polyneuropathy of unspecified etiology stood out. A vitreous biopsy identified amyloid substance deposits (congo red positive). These were also confirmed on a superficial peroneal nerve biopsy. During the etiological study of her polyneuropathy, an increased Kappa/Lambda index of 2.55 mg/L stood out. Therefore, light chain amyloidosis was suspected, and chemotherapy treatment was indicated without favorable response. After 10 years of progressive neurological and ophthalmological involvement, a genetic study confirmed the first case of late-onset hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis Val50Met with polyneuropathy in Chile.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Aged , Polyneuropathies/etiology , Polyneuropathies/genetics , Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial/complications , Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial/diagnosis , Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial/genetics , Prealbumin/genetics , MutationABSTRACT
La diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad crónica que puede causar complicaciones multiorgánicas como la polineuropatía diabética, con el consecuente trastorno invalidante a quienes la padecen. Por tal motivo, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva con el objetivo de actualizar algunos aspectos importantes sobre esta afección, tales como concepto, factores de riesgo, mecanismos patogénicos, clasificación, diagnóstico y tratamiento, entre otros. Se concluye que esta enfermedad se asocia con varios factores de riesgo, su diagnóstico es fundamentalmente clínico y como tratamiento se considera el control glucémico, el cuidado de los pies y el uso de fármacos.
The diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that can cause multiorganic complications as the diabetic polyneuropathy, with the consequent invalidant disorder to whom suffer from it. For such a reason, an exhaustive literature review was carried out with the objective of upgrading some important aspects on this affection, such as concept, risk factors, pathogenic mechanisms, classification, diagnosis and treatment, among others. It was concluded that this disease is associated with several risk factors, its diagnosis is fundamentally clinical and the glycemic control, the care of feet and the use of medicines are considered as treatment.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus , Diabetic Neuropathies , Risk Factors , Diabetic Neuropathies/prevention & controlABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most frequent cause of acute flaccid paralysis and if not diagnosed and treated timely, a significant cause of long-term disability. Incidence in Latin America ranges from 0.71 to 7.63 cases/100,000 person-years. Historically, GBS has been linked to infections (mainly gastrointestinal by Campylobacter jejuni) and vaccines (including those against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]); however, a trigger cannot be detected in most cases. Regarding SARS-CoV-2, epidemiological studies have found no association with its development. Acute motor axonal neuropathy is the most common electrophysiological variant in Mexico and Asian countries. Intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchanges are still the treatment cornerstones. Mortality in Mexico can be as high as 12%. Advances in understanding the drivers of nerve injury in GBS that may provide the basis for developing targeted therapies have been made during the past decade; despite them, accurate criteria for selecting patients requiring acute treatment, prognostic biomarkers, and novel therapies are still needed. The newly-developed vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have raised concerns regarding the potential risk for developing GBS. In the midst of coronavirus disease 2019 and vaccination campaigns against SARS-CoV-2, this review discusses the epidemiology, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of GBS in Mexico.
ABSTRACT
Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS)is a collection of clinical syndromes that manifest as an acute inflammatory poly radiculopathy. It usually presents as an acute, non-febrile, monophonic, post infectious illness manifesting as ascending weakness and areflexia. It is an autoimmune disorder characterized by production of antibodies against the myelin and is often triggered by bacterial and viral infections, vaccines against rabies, flu and COVID-19. Here we present a case of 31 years old male with characteristic signs and symptoms of GBSpossibly triggered by Covishield vaccine.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence, severity, and symptoms of Distal Symmetrical Polyneuropathy (DSP) among adult patients with diabetes and those without diabetes in a primary care clinic. It was a cross-sectional comparative study involving 72 adults of between 40-60 years of age living with diabetes and 72 age-matched adults without diabetes. DSP was assessed with a biothesiometer device, and data analysis was performed using the SPSS Version 21 statistical software. The overall prevalence of neuropathy among the participants was 68.1% for those living with diabetes and 38.9% for the other group. Furthermore, 22.3% of the diabetes group had severe neuropathy compared with 8.3% of the other group. These differences were found to be statistically significant with p=0.001 (df = 2, X2 = 14.07). We reported higher prevalence and severity of DSP in those living with diabetes. We also found significant association between high VPT (≥25V) and presence of neuropathic symptoms thereby enhancing the use of the biothesiometer device in the diagnosis of adults with DSP in the primary care setting.