Corticospinal tract involvement in a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome
Autor(es): Oshima Y,Mitsui T,Endo I,Umaki Y,Matsumoto T
Resumo: To determine the involvement of the corticospinal tract in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), we examined central motor conduction in patients with GBS-like symptoms and hyperreflexia using a magnetic stimulation technique. The subjects were 3 patients who exhibited ascending muscle weakness 2-4 weeks after preceding infections. Deep tendon reflexes were exaggerated in all four limbs of the 3 patients. The results of cerebrospinal fluid examinations revealed protein elevation without pleocytosis. The serum anti-GM(1) antibody titer was elevated in 2 patients. The results of nerve conduction study revealed axonal motor neuropathy and normal F-wave conduction. Central motor conduction time (CMCT) in patients with hyperreflexia was significantly delayed compared to that in patients with GBS and areflexia (p < 0.001), and the delayed CMCTs were significantly improved in the recovery periods (p < 0.001). Although hyperreflexia is a controversial symptom in patients with GBS, these findings indicate that there is functional corticospinal tract involvement in patients with a GBS variant.
Palavras-Chave: Guillain-Barré syndrome; Upper motor neuron; Central motor conduction
Imprenta: European Neurology, v. 46, n. 1, p. 39-42, 2001
Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1159/000050754
Descritores: Guillain-Barre Syndrome - Cell ; Guillain-Barre Syndrome - Clinical examination
Data de publicação: 2001
