1. Campylobacter coli infection causes spinal epidural abscess with Guillain–Barré syndrome: a case report
- Author
-
Masako Fujita, Tatsuya Ueno, Michiru Horiuchi, Tatsuro Mitsuhashi, Shouji Yamamoto, Akira Arai, and Masahiko Tomiyama
- Subjects
Campylobacter coli ,Guillain–Barré syndrome ,Spinal epidural abscess ,Bacterial infection ,acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy ,paralysis ,Anti-ganglioside antibodies ,Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system ,RC346-429 - Abstract
Abstract Background Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) and spinal epidural abscess (SEA) are known as mimics of each other because they present with flaccid paralysis following an infection; however, they differ in the main causative bacteria. Nevertheless, the two diseases can occur simultaneously if there is a preceding Campylobacter infection. Here, we report the first case of SEA with GBS following Campylobacter coli infection. Case presentation A 71-year-old Japanese man presented with progressive back pain and paralysis of the lower limbs following enteritis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a lumbar epidural abscess that required surgical decompression; therefore, surgical drainage was performed. Blood cultures revealed the presence of C. coli. Despite surgery, the paralysis progressed to the extremities. Nerve conduction studies led to the diagnosis of GBS. Anti-ganglioside antibodies in the patient suggested that GBS was preceded by Campylobacter infection. Intravascular immunoglobulin therapy attenuated the progression of the paralysis. Conclusions We report a case of SEA and GBS following Campylobacter infection. A combination of the two diseases is rare; however, it could occur if the preceding infection is caused by Campylobacter spp. If a cause is known but the patient does not respond to the corresponding treatment, it is important to reconsider the diagnosis based on the medical history.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF