Triple Trouble

Abstract

We present a case of a 24-year-old female recently diagnosed with acute leukemia who came with complaints of fever for 14 days, progressive lower limb weakness, and multiple episodes of vomiting in the last 1 day. In nerve conduction studies, a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) was established. Fever with thrombocytopenia workup revealed a positive dengue nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) report. Immunophenotyping confirmed pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). As leukemia is an immunocompromised state, the peripheral nervous system vulnerability is increased, or infection could precipitate an immune neuropathy. About 10% of adult ALL presents with central nervous system (CNS) leukemias; a higher incidence is seen in mature B ALL. There is some evidence to suggest immunosuppression secondary to intensive chemotherapy (vincristine-induced dying back neuropathy), which was not started in our case. This rare combination in a short period of time with a worsening situation paralyzed the line of management. Few reports described GBS in patients with dengue in adults. The association of Guillan-Barre syndrome and ALL could be coincidental or has a pathophysiological basis and is under basic investigation.