The acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome after thoracic spine surgery

J Neurosurg Spine. 2011 Dec;15(6):605-9. doi: 10.3171/2011.8.SPINE1159. Epub 2011 Sep 16.

Abstract

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the eponym used to describe acute inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathies, which manifest with weakness and diminished reflexes. Although the classic form of GBS is considered to be an ascending demyelinating polyneuropathy, several variants have been described in the literature, including the Miller-Fisher syndrome, acute panautonomic neuropathy, acute motor axonal neuropathy, and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN). Few cases of postoperative GBS have been documented, particularly for the AMSAN variant. The authors describe the case of a patient who developed AMSAN after thoracic spine surgery and highlight the importance of investigating new-onset weakness in the postoperative period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Female
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / classification*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / etiology*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / pathology
  • Humans
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Meningioma / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Neurons / pathology
  • Neural Conduction
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology*
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / pathology
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / surgery