Axonal pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome without Anti-GT1a IgG antibody

Muscle Nerve. 2003 Aug;28(2):246-50. doi: 10.1002/mus.10424.

Abstract

We report two cases of pharyngeal-cervical-brachial (PCB) variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The patients developed dysphagia and weakness of the neck and arms subsequent to Campylobacter jejuni infection. Oropharyngeal palsy recovered poorly. Electrophysiological findings demonstrated axonal conduction failure. Anti-GD1a immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody was detected in one case, and anti-GM1b IgG antibody in another. Anti-GT1a IgG and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies were negative in both cases. The current cases suggest that the PCB and axonal variants of GBS form a continuous spectrum from the viewpoint of electrophysiological studies as well as antiganglioside serology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Axons / pathology*
  • Blood Gas Analysis
  • Brachial Plexus / pathology*
  • Cervical Plexus / pathology*
  • Dysarthria / etiology
  • Dysarthria / pathology
  • Gangliosides / immunology*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / immunology*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology
  • Male
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Muscle Weakness / physiopathology
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Pharynx / pathology*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / complications
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / physiopathology

Substances

  • Gangliosides
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • GT1aalpha ganglioside