[Cortical blindness associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome: a complication of dysautonomia?]

Abstract

Introduction: We report a case of a Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) with subarachnoid hemorrhage and regressive occipital white matter lesions.

Observation: A 62-year-old woman developed ascendant progressive paresthesia and weakness of arms and legs, 48 hours after enteritis infection. Neurological examination showed tetraparesia with loss of deep tendon reflexes and alteration of proprioception tests. Nerve conduction studies revealed polyradiculoneuritis. Then she presented an acute blindness and hypertension. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral occipital lesions and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an elevated protein level (1.54 g/l) and red blood cells without meningitis. Brain arteriography was normal. Intravenous immunoglobulins improved neurological symptoms.

Conclusion: Posterior localisation of reversible white matter lesions evoked a reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy. The implication of arterial hypertension caused by dysautonomia during GBS could be suspected.