Pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Autor(es): Wakerley Benjamin R.; Yuki Nobuhiro


Resumo: The pharyngeal-cervical-brachial (PCB) variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome is defined by rapidly progressive oropharyngeal and cervicobrachial weakness associated with areflexia in the upper limbs. Serial nerve conduction studies suggest that PCB represents a localised subtype of Guillain-Barré syndrome characterised by axonal rather than demyelinating neuropathy. Many neurologists are unfamiliar with PCB, which is often misdiagnosed as brainstem stroke, myasthenia gravis or botulism. The presence of additional ophthalmoplegia and ataxia indicates overlap with Fisher syndrome. Half of patients with PCB carry IgG anti-GT1a antibodies which often cross-react with GQ1b, whereas most patients with Fisher syndrome carry IgG anti-GQ1b antibodies which always cross-react with GT1a. Significant overlap between the clinical and serological profiles of these patients supports the view that PCB and Fisher syndrome form a continuous spectrum. In this review, we highlight the clinical features of PCB and outline new diagnostic criteria.


Palavras-Chave: Ganglioside, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Neuropathy


Imprenta: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, v. 85, n. 3, p. 339-344, 2014


Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-305397


Descritores: Guillain-Barre Syndrome - Pathogenesis ; Guillain-Barre Syndrome - Proteins ; Guillain-Barre Syndrome - Antibodies ; Guillain-Barre Syndrome - Serological diagnosis ; Guillain-Barre Syndrome - Immunology


Data de publicação: 2014