Dysphagia as initial manifestation of Guillan-Barrè Syndrome in a child

Atti della Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti - Classe di Scienze Medico-Biologiche

article

Elda Pitrolo¹  Simona Santucci¹  Chiara Cuzzupè¹  Filippo De Luca¹ 

[1] Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina  Messina

关键词: dysphagia;    Guillain-Barrè syndrome;    flaccid paralysis;   

DOI  :  10.6092/1828-6550/APMB.105.1.2017.A7

学科分类：农业科学（综合）

来源: Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti

【 摘 要 】

The occurrence of dysphagia in a child may be a sign of various pathological conditions and mainly gastrointestinal disorders; neurological causes are not very frequent, but they should be taken in to considerations. Etiological diagnosis is important for minimizing related complications. Here we report the case of a 6-year-old girl who was admitted to our Clinic with sudden onset weakness of the limbs and dysphagia. Ph ysical examination revealed hypo-areflexia of both legs and arms and multiple cranial nerve dysfunction. Based on typical clinical course, laboratory investigations and electrophysiological studies, a diagnosis of Guillain-Barrè Syndrome (GBS) was assessed. A treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was immediately started with a progressive recovery of motility and cranial nerve function. An electrophysiological evaluation, performed one month after therapy start, showed slight improvement of neurological symptoms, in particular of the sensitive component. On the basis of our experience we suggest that a GBS should be suspected when d ysphagia is associated with pain and ascending flaccid paralysis of the limbs, in order to prevent a severe complications such as respiratory failure.

【 授权许可】

CC BY