La Revue de médecine interne
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Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute neuropathy. It usually onset with a rapidly progressive ascending bilateral weakness with sensory disturbances, and patients may require intensive treatment and close monitoring as about 30% have a respiratory muscle weakness and about 10% have autonomic dysfunction. The diagnosis of GBS is based on clinical history and examination. ⋯ Some anti-ganglioside antibodies are associated with particular variants of GBS: the Miller-Fisher syndrome, facial diplegia and paresthesias, the pharyngo-cervico-brachial variant, the paraparetic variant, and the Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis. Their semiological differences might be explained by a distinct expression of gangliosides among nerves. The aim of this review is to present pathophysiological aspects and the diagnostic approach of GBS and its variants.
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Review Case Reports
Cerebellar syndrome associated with legionellosis: A case report and literature review.
Legionnaire's disease is a community-acquired pneumonia caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Legionella pneumophila. This disease is often associated with neurological symptoms, the clinical presentation of which can be very varied. ⋯ Few cases only (n=110) of Legionnaires' disease with cerebellar symptoms have been reported in the literature. The pathogenic mechanism behind neurological dysfunction in patients with Legionnaires' disease is unknown. Neurological symptoms improve with antibiotic therapy and corticosteroids. Extra-pulmonary forms of Legionnaires' disease are frequent, with neurological symptoms being the most common symptoms. Cerebellar dysfunction may be underestimated and requires appropriate management with antibiotic therapy and corticosteroid therapy. Recommendations for the management of Legionnaire's disease with severe extra-pulmonary symptoms are needed.