1- Arak university of medical science
Abstract: (41886 Views)
Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has several variant signs and it often presents as an acute monophasic paralyzing illness provoked by a preceding infection. Campylobacter jejuni infection is the most commonly identified cause of GBS while cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections have also been associated with GBS.
Case: A 55-year-old villager man who was an animal keeper was admitted to Vali-Asr Hospital with symptoms of general weakness, fever, and night sweats. With positive serology of brucellosis (Wright=1:1280, 2ME =1:640), the patient was treated with rifampin, doxycyclin, and tereptomycin (1g/daily). Having received 9 injections of streptomycin, with weakness in the right extremity, the patient was hospitalized. Brain MRI and CT-Scan were reported normal. Within two days, however, the extremity weakness progressed and spread to 4 extremities (2.5 at the proximal and 3.5 in the distal). Generalized areflexia occurred and, three days later, impaired swallowing and facial weakness ensued. Streptomycin was discontinued upon admission. EMG indicated acute and severe demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. CSF analysis confirmed Guillain Barre Syndrome while Wright test for CSF was negative. The patient was admitted to the ICU and underwent intubation with progressed paralysis of four limbs, the patient died in 8 days after hospitalization.
Conclusion: In endemic areas, brucellosis should be considered in patients with Guillain Barre syndrome.
Type of Study:
Case Report |
Subject:
Infection Received: 2011/10/29 | Accepted: 2012/01/11