[Effectiveness of plasma exchange in Miller Fisher syndrome--a case report].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We report a successful treatment by plasma exchange(PE) in the case of Miller Fisher syndrome.

CASE:

A 71-year-old woman rapidly developed diplopia and unsteady gait, and was admitted to Minami-matsuyama Hospital on day 3 of her illness. Ophthalmological and neurological examination on admission revealed bilateral complete external ophthalmoplegia with moderate mydriasis, cerebellar ataxia, and weakness of biceps reflexs, but her consciousness was intact. Protein concentration in the cerebrospinal-fluid was slightly increased and serum anti-GQlb IgG antibody was positive. With the diagnosis of Miller Fisher syndrome, PE was carried out on days 12, 14, and 16. After PE, ophthalmoplegia and cerebellar ataxia improved markedly. The ocular symptoms resolved after a month.

CONCLUSION:

The findings indicate that PE is a beneficial treatment in Miller Fisher syndrome during the acute phase of the disease.

• Authors: Shiro Kawasaki, Toshio Kodama, Shiro Mizoue, Yuichi Ohashi, Yuichi Okutani
• Journal: Nippon Ganka Gakkai zasshi (Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi) Vol. 109 Issue 3 Pg. 148-52 (Mar 2005) ISSN: 0029-0203 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 15828274 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Autoantibodies
• Gangliosides
• GQ1b ganglioside

Topics

• Aged
• Autoantibodies (analysis)
• Cerebellar Ataxia (therapy)
• Female
• Gangliosides (immunology)
• Humans
• Miller Fisher Syndrome (immunology, therapy)
• Ophthalmoplegia (therapy)
• Plasma Exchange