Guillain–Barrè syndrome as a neurological complication of infective endocarditis. Is it really so rare and how often do we recognise it?

Abstract Guillain–Barrè syndrome (GBS) is an acute, inflammatory, demyelinating polyneuropathy that nowadays represents the most common cause of flaccid paralysis. GBS is considered a reactive, autoimmune disease preceded by a triggering event, such as a respiratory infection or gastroenteritis. Cam...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of cardiology 2009-03, Vol.133 (1), p.104-105
Main Authors: Baravelli, Massimo, Fantoni, Cecilia, Rossi, Andrea, Cattaneo, Paolo, Anzà, Claudio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Cardiology. Vascular system
Cardiovascular
Cranial nerves. Spinal roots. Peripheral nerves. Autonomic nervous system. Gustation. Olfaction
Endocardial and cardiac valvular diseases
Guillain-Barrè syndrome
Heart
Infective endocarditis
Medical sciences
Multiple sclerosis and variants. Guillain barré syndrome and other inflammatory polyneuropathies. Leukoencephalitis
Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes)
Neurology
Polyneuropathies
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Summary:Abstract Guillain–Barrè syndrome (GBS) is an acute, inflammatory, demyelinating polyneuropathy that nowadays represents the most common cause of flaccid paralysis. GBS is considered a reactive, autoimmune disease preceded by a triggering event, such as a respiratory infection or gastroenteritis. Campylobacter jejuni, Mycoplasma pneumoniae , Cytomegalovirus and Ebstein Barr Virus are the most frequent antecedent pathogens isolated in GBS; nevertheless recent reports suggest that pathogens related to infective endocarditis may be the triggers of this generalized polyneuropathy. We discuss the likely pathogenesis of this rare association and review the pertinent literature.
ISSN:0167-5273
1874-1754
DOI:10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.11.033