Guillain-Barré syndrome. A clinical electrophysiological and biochemical study

Fifty-six consecutive patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome representing 49% of all cases of peripheral neuropathy (except those due to diabetes mellitus and leprosy) admitted to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh over a period of three years were studied. All patients developed weakness of limbs within one day to three weeks. Attenuation of deep tendon jerks (98%) paresthesia (66%), cranial nerve involvement (41%) and antecedent infection (32%) were the common clinical features. The common patterns of motor weakness were predominantly proximal in all the four limbs (45%) or predominantly proximal in lower limbs along with distal muscles in upper limbs (29%). Electrodiagnostic studies revealed prolonged distal (motor) latency (82%), reduced motor nerve conduction velocity (74%), sensory nerve conduction abnormality (85%) and evidence of denervation (41%). Evoked motor response of median, ulnar, common peroneal and tibial nerves exhibited significant increase in duration and reduction in amplitude. The maximum incidence of electrophysiological abnormality occurred between four to 12 weeks after the onset of neurological symptoms. Four patients died and 11 showed poor recovery. Long intervals (greater than 3 weeks) between peak deficit and onset of recovery and coexistence of reduced motor nerve conduction velocity with evidence of denervation on EMG were found to be associated with poor recovery.     

Lower motor neuron disease and signs of dysimmunity

Twenty-two patients (12 men, 10 women, age range 16 to 60) affected with an adult-onset, sporadic, lower motor neuron disease were studied. Motor weakness was associated with a severe muscular atrophy but never in a peripheral nerve distribution. Weakness predominated in the proximal parts of the limbs in 3 cases, in distal parts in 10 cases involving predominantly the upper limbs in 10. It was diffuse in all four limbs in six cases and was monomelic in the last 2 two others. Reflexes were generally lost in weak muscles. Electrodiagnostic findings consisted of pure motor axonal features, subtle sensory involvement was present in 3 cases with an IgM monoclonal gammopathy, in only one case the neurological syndrome was associated with a lymphoproliferative disorder despite complete investigations. All patients had dysimmune biological features (MGUS or anti-GM1 antibodies). We studied SMN gene in 12 patients and found no deletion. 16 patients were treated with IVIg and five improved but in 2 cases the improvement was transcient and lasted less than six months. Intravenous cyclophosphamide (1g/m(2) repeated monthly during 6 to 9 months) was used in six patients and three improved. Among these three patients two received also plasma exchanges on two days before the infusion. In all three patients, muscle weakness gradually deteriorated in the months following the end of the treatment. Nor the weakness pattern nor the type of biological marker was predictive of a good response to treatment. Lower motor neuron diseases appear to be much less sensitive to treatment than multifocal motor neuropathy with conduction block. However, treatment with IVIg or cyclophosphamide must be considered in the most severe forms or in case of a young onset.     

Pregnancy and spinal muscular atrophy

Summary We investigated the course and outcome of pregnancy and its influence on muscle weakness in 12 females with proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who delivered a total of 17 infants when aged 18–32 years. In 4 females the SMA clearly followed an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. The disease was autosomal dominantly inherited in 2 patients; the other 6 were sporadic cases. Ages of onset of SMA ranged from 8 months to 29 years; all the females learned to walk, and 10 out of 12 are still ambulatory aged 30–60 years. Pregnancy and delivery were complicated in 10 out of 12 patients by premature labour (4), prolonged labour (3) and delayed postpartum recovery (6). Caesarean section was performed in 3 cases. No deleterious effects on fetal outcome could be detected. Exacerbation of muscle weakness after the second trimester of pregnancy was experienced by 8 females: 5 noticed a persistent deterioration of SMA; in 3 muscle weakness worsened temporarily during pregnancy and was followed by marked improvement in the puerperium. The psychological perceptions, in retrospect, of 10 females concerning their decision to have children were evaluated.     

The Bruns-Garland syndrome (diabetic amyotrophy). Revisited 100 years later

A group of 17 patients had proximal diabetic neuropathy characterized by abrupt onset of asymmetric pain and weakness. Fourteen patients had unilateral onset that later involved the other extremity in 3 days to 8 months. All patients reported stepwise or steady progression during 2 to 18 months that was documented during serial examinations. In 16 patients, both proximal and distal muscles were involved. Sural nerve biopsy specimens demonstrated multifocal variability in nerve fiber density manifesting as nonrandom fiber loss between and within fascicles compared with age-matched controls. These findings demonstrate that patients may have a rapidly evolving course of proximal diabetic neuropathy followed by continued progression for many months and emphasize the overlap between proximal diabetic neuropathies of presumed different types. Our cases and others cast doubt on notions supporting two distinct types of proximal diabetic neuropathies represented by the rapid evolution of asymmetric weakness on an ischemic basis, in contrast to a more slowly progressive condition of metabolic pathogenesis.     

Successful treatment of "steroid-immunosuppressant resistant" polymyositis with immunoadsorption]

We report a case of "steroid and immunosuppressant-resistant" polymyositis that was successfully treated with immunoadsorption. A 46-year-old man was admitted to Shinshu University Hospital on June 2, 1989, with the chief complaint of muscle weakness and pain. He had a 1.5-year history of frequent episodes of Raynaud's phenomenon. Five months before presentation, he noticed muscle weakness and pain in the proximal muscles of his extremities. One month after the onset of these symptoms, his body temperature increased to 38 degrees C and remained elevated until the following month. He subsequently entered a local hospital. He was found to have diminished strength in all limbs that was more marked in the proximal areas. The muscle weakness and pain progressed until the patient was no longer able to walk. Muscle biopsy of the left quadriceps femoris showed mononuclear cell infiltration in the endomyosium that was accompanied by phagocytosis and interstitial fibrosis. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of polymyositis was made. During hospitalization, the weakness continued to worsen despite pulse therapy with methylprednisolone 1000 mg per day for 3 days and the administration of prednisolone 100 mg and azathioprine 100 mg per day. The patient was transferred to our hospital for further evaluation and treatment. On physical examination, he demonstrated hair loss, soft palate aphthae, tonsillar injection, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Neurological examination revealed generalized weakness; the patient was barely able to move all of his limbs. All of the muscles in his extremities were swollen and hard, and he felt pain when they were grasped. Deep tendon reflexes were diffusely hypoactive.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Segmental distribution of muscle weakness in SMA III: implications for deterioration in muscle strength with time

We examined 26 spinal muscular atrophy type III (SMA III) patients with SMNt deletions, searching for possible segmental distribution of muscle weakness. In those with disease duration of ≤11 years, the weakest muscles were upper lumbar innervated ones in the lower extremities. In the upper extremities, early involvement of triceps muscle suggested the possibility of lower cervical (C7) onset. Electrophysiologically, weaker muscles had a more severe reduction in the recruitment pattern, particularly in the lower extremities. However, severe reduction in recruitment was sometimes also observed in clinically strong muscles. In patients with disease duration of ≥16 years and regardless of disease duration, in those with disease onset at ≤3 years of age, weakness and severe electrophysiological changes were more widespread. These findings may suggest a progression in muscle weakness with time. When compared to 12 patients with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), early stage SMA III with weak iliopsoas-strong gluteus maximus stood in contrast to BMD with weak gluteus maximus-strong iliopsoas.     

Emery-dreifuss syndrome

Summary A young adult male is described with muscular dystrophy of probable X-linked recessive inheritance. An onset of muscle weakness in late adolescence was preceded by contractures of the neck and elbows dating back to childhood. The distribution of muscle weakness was proximal in the upper limbs and both proximal and distal in the lower. The mixed pattern of muscle involvement in the legs favours the view that cases of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy with proximal weakness in both the upper and lower limbs and X-linked scapuloperoneal muscular dystrophy represent the same disorder. A muscle biopsy in the present case showed unique appearances.     

慢性脊髓性肌萎缩症的临床和肌活检

文章报道２４例慢性脊髓性肌萎缩症，其中婴儿型、少年型、成年型慢性近端型分别为５例、２例及１３例，面肩肱型２例，远端型和肩腓型各１例。本病主要临床表现为肌无力、肌萎缩和不同程度的肌束震颤，锥体束和周围神经一般不受累。各型肌萎缩的部位不同。３例患者伴有ＣＰＫ浓度增高。除２例肌电图正常外，其余表现为失神经性改变。光镜提示神经原性萎缩。电镜下见肌原纤维数量减少，Ｚ线变粗或波浪状以及线粒体和内质网肿胀。     

Infantile spinal muscular atrophy

The authors report 100 cases with prolonged spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and survival beyond 4 years old. There were 46 boys and 54 girls. 23 of them had histories with an autosomal recessive form of inheritance. One case had a dominant form. The unity of cases described as Werdnig Hoffman disease [SMA I, SMA II (Childhood), ans SMA III (Kugelberg Welander)] is supported and our cases fell in three groups according to their ambulatory capabilities: never acquired, lost, or retained. 71 cases have never walked: the onset of symptoms was noted at an average age of 6.4 months +/- 3; the average age at the last examination was 16 years (4-39). Death occurred in 6 cases. Loss of walking occurred in 24 cases: the onset of symptoms was noted at an average age of 17.4 months +/- 14.2. 5 cases were still ambulatory: the onset of symptoms was noted at an average age of 2.4 years +/- 2.8. For these last 29 cases the average age at the last examination was 20 years (4-38); death occurred in two cases. The weakness was symmetrical and proximal. The period of worsening varied but, frequently, patients with a later onset of symptoms had a longer period of deterioration. Tongue fasciculations were present in all cases who never walked. Facial and masseter weakness occurred in 3 cases. Oesophagus dyskinesia and distension of the stomach due to brain stem lesions occurred in many cases. This brain stem damage was responsible of 2 sudden deaths (8-30 years). Premature puberty occurred in 14 cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Dysferlin蛋白缺陷的Miyoshi肌病的临床与病理学特点

目的探讨dysferlin蛋白缺陷的Miyoshi肌病(MM)的临床与病理学特点。方法对3例MM患者的临床及病理资料进行分析。结果3例患者均为青少年起病,临床主要表现均为下肢远端无力伴肌肉明显萎缩,其中1例发病初期伴有小腿肌肉疼痛肿胀,1例下肢近端肌肉无力;3例患者血清肌酸磷酸激酶均明显升高,分别为7543IU/L、5657IU/L、8721IU/L;2例乳酸脱氢酶升高,分别为465IU/L、636IU/L。3例肌肉病理均为肌源性损害,肌细胞膜dysferlin蛋白明显缺失,dystrophin表达正常;其中1例肌肉病理有炎细胞浸润。结论MM患者均为青少年起病,临床以下肢无力及肌萎缩为特点,病理可见肌细胞膜dysferlin蛋白缺失。     

常染色体隐性遗传肌原纤维肌病的临床和病理学特点(附1例报告)

目的 探讨常染色体隐性遗传的肌原纤维肌病(MFMs)的临床和病理学特点.方法 回顾性分析1例病理确诊的常染色体隐性遗传MFMs患者的临床资料.结果 本例7岁起病,表现为四肢无力,缓慢进行性加重,由近端向远端发展,伴有心脏损害.其父母为近亲婚配,其兄自幼年出现相似的肌无力,38岁时猝死.肌肉病理检查示肌纤维空泡性改变,以非镶边空泡为主,部分肌纤维内出现结蛋白沉积;未发现结蛋白基因、αB晶体蛋白基因及肌收缩蛋白基因突变.结论 常染色体隐性遗传MFMs可幼年期发病,四肢无力由近端向远端发展,累及心肌;病理学特点为肌纤维空泡性改变和结蛋白沉积.     

Chronic spinal amyotrophy involving the upper limbs in young adults (O'Sullivan and McLeod syndrome). MRI study of the cervical spinal cord

In 5 cases of sporadic spinal muscular atrophy in young adults the muscular atrophy was localized in the hands and forearms. Age at onset ranged from 7 to 20 years. The duration of the disease was less than 5 years in 3 patients and more than 15 years in 2. Electromyography showed neurogenic anomalies in all wasted muscles, denervation potentials being also present in the proximal muscles of the upper limbs and distal muscles of the lower limbs in 2 patients. Motor nerve conduction velocity and sensory nerve action potentials were normal. Advantages of a topographic classification of the distal form of chronic spinal muscular atrophy are discussed. Spinal cord MRI was performed in 4 patients with a 0.5 Tesla superconducting magnet using surface coils, using a T1-weighted spin-echo technique (ET 26 ms; RT 500 ms) and a T2-weighted spin-echo technique (ET 90, 180 ms; 2,000 ms). With the T1 technique, axial MRI sections 7 to 9 mm thick of spinal cord showed a normal image between C1 and C4, and a flattened image between C5 and T1. This was considered as a possible spinal cord segmental atrophy.     

A case of adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma with motor and sensory polyneuropathy]

A 62-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of two months continuing paresthesia and muscle weakness of distal portions of the four limbs. On general physical examination, skin lesions, lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly were not found. Neurological examination revealed moderate weakness in the bilateral distal muscles of the lower limbs and left distal muscles of the upper limbs, and slight weakness in the right distal muscles of the upper limbs and the bilateral proximal muscles of the four limbs. Hand grasping powers were 24 kg and 2 kg on the right and left, respectively. The biceps, triceps and radial reflexes were decreased on the right, but normal on the left. The Achilles tendon reflex was decreased on the right and absent on the left. Paresthesia and superficial sensory disturbance were observed with glove and stocking distribution, which was more severe on the left side. The vibration and position senses were slightly decreased in the distal part of the lower limbs. On the laboratory examinations, serum anti-HTLV-I antibody was positive and no abnormal lymphocytes were observed in peripheral blood. Cerebrospinal fluid findings were normal, and anti-HTLV-I antibody was negative. Motor and sensory conduction velocities were normal or slightly decreased in all of the limb nerves examined, but the amplitudes of the compound muscle action potentials and the sensory nerve action potentials were asymmetrically decreased. Needle EMG showed fibrillation potentials and giant spikes with a reduction in number of motor unit potentials. The histological examination of the biopsied sural nerve revealed severe axonal degeneration without evidence of vasculitis or infiltration of abnormal lymphocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Hereditary pure lower motor neuron disease with adult onset and rapid progression

We describe three members each of two families presenting with a hereditary form of lower motor neuron disease with adult onset and rapid progression and compare their pathological and clinical features with hereditary lower motor neuron disease with adult onset, as described in the literature. No involvement of upper motor neurons was found either clinically or pathologically. Disease progression was rapid, and the majority of patients died from respiratory failure within 1–5 years after onset of disease. On pathological examination of the spinal cord we found ballooned neurons, neuronophagia and gliosis in family A, which have been regarded as characteristic pathological features of infantile-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In family B specific neuronal changes were observed that also occur in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). An autosomal dominant mode of inheritance would seem likely in both families. In family A the pathological findings and the clinical presentation with symmetrical proximal limb weakness show similarities with autosomal dominant SMA. Based on the finding of pathological features in family B that also occur in ALS, together with the distal asymmetrical muscle weakness and bulbar signs and a high age at onset we hypothesize that the members of family B suffered from familial ALS. The disease forms in both families in our opinion further broaden the spectrum of motor neuron disease Received: 2 June 2000, Received in revised form: 1 September 2000, Accepted: 23 October 2000     

连枷臂(腿)综合征的临床、电生理和病理特点

目的探讨连枷臂综合征(flailarm syndrome,FA)和连枷腿综合征(flailleg syndrome,FL)患者的临床、电生理和骨骼肌病理改变特点。方法收集2007-01-2011-10期间就诊于海军总医院神经内科的FA和FL患者。所有患者均进行了详细的病史询问、体格检查以及电生理检查。2例患者行肌肉病理检查。结果 5例患者中FA 4例、FL 1例,男4例、女1例,发病年龄为18～65岁,平均35岁,病程分别为2年、2.5年、3年、14年和31年。FA表现为双上肢近端无力伴萎缩;FL表现为下肢远端无力伴跟腱反射消失。疾病后期FA向肢体远端发展,FL向肢体近端发展,其他节段轻微受累。肌电图显示部分受累肌肉出现失神经支配,运动和感觉神经传导速度正常。肌肉病理呈典型神经源性骨骼肌损害的病理特点。结论 FA和FL是肌萎缩侧索硬化(ALS)的一种变异型,病情进展呈良性过程。电生理和病理均符合失神经支配骨骼肌损害的特点。     

Hirayama disease in children from North America

Hirayama disease has been mainly reported from Asia; only a few cases are from the Western hemisphere, particularly North America. This is a retrospective chart review of patients < 18 years, diagnosed with Hirayama disease from a single center over 10 years. We diagnosed 6 children (4 boys), 15.1 ± 1.2 years of age. Symptom onset was 3 months to 3 years before presentation. All had unilateral or bilateral asymmetric distal upper extremity weakness without objective sensory loss. Oblique amyotrophy and cold paresis were noted in 5. On electromyography, acute-on-chronic denervation was most frequently noted in cervical-8 (C8) and thoracic-1 (T1) myotomes followed by cervical-7 (C7) myotome in both upper limbs, sparing C5-C6 myotomes. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was abnormal in 3. Symptoms progressed over a mean of 16.5 months. Treatment consisted of placement of cervical collar. Heightened awareness of this entity among pediatric neurologists in North America will lead to early diagnosis and intervention, avoiding unnecessary investigations.     

面肩肱型肌营养不良患者肌组织血管炎性改变的病理特点

目的 研究面肩肱型肌营养不良(FSHD)肌组织的血管炎性病理改变特点,探讨血管因素在FSHD发病机制中的作用.方法 回顾性分析26例FSHD患者的临床及肌肉病理学资料,按有尤炎性细胞浸润分为非炎性浸润组和炎性浸润组,并据浸润的部位不同将后者分为肌内膜炎、血管周围炎及跨壁血管炎3个亚组.对炎性浸润组行抗CD3、抗CD4、抗CD8、抗CD20及抗血管平滑肌肌动蛋白免疫组织化学染色.收集20例炎症性肌病患者(多发性肌炎、皮肌炎各10例)肌活体组织检查组织作为对照组,行抗CD4、抗CD8、抗CD20免疫组织化学染色.结果 26例FSHD患者发病年龄为(25.2±12.6)岁,病程(7.8±7.3)年.男女之比为1.6∶1,其中5例患者有家族史.所有的患者均表现为面肌、肩胛带肌及上肢肌群的进行性无力和萎缩,18例患者骨盆带肌和(或)下肢远端受累,24例两侧不对称受累.主要病理学特点为:17例(65.4%)可见灶性炎性细胞浸润,其中4例炎细胞仅位于肌内膜,7例为血管周嗣炎,6例血管壁内可见炎细胞浸润,为跨壁的血管炎.免疫组织化学染色证实浸润的炎细胞主要为CD4+T淋巴细胞及CD+20 B淋巴细胞.炎性浸润组的肌组织内残存的肌纤维(48.0%±23.6%)较非炎性浸润者(94.3%±3.1%)明显减少(T=198.000,P=0.000),表明前者肌肉病理损害重于后者.对照组皮肌炎浸润的炎细胞类型与FSHD类似,而多发性肌炎以CD8+T淋巴细胞为主.结论 FSHD肌组织内可见显著的炎细胞浸润,表现为肌内膜炎、血管周围炎及跨壁血管炎.跨壁血管炎为血管壁受损,提示血管病理因素可能与本病的发病机制有关.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the pathological features of blood vessel inflammation in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy ( FSHD ) and the role of vasculitis on the pathogenesis of FSHD. Methods The clinical manifestations and myopathological features of 26 FSHD patients were retrospectively analyzed and summarized. All of the patients were divided into 2 groups; inflammatory infiltration group and non-inflammatory infiltration group. The latter was further divided into 3 subgroups;endomysial inflammation subgroup, perivasculitis subgroup and transmural vasculitis subgroup.Immunohistochemical staining were carried out in inflammatory infiltration group with anti-CD3, anti-CD4,anti-CD8,anti-CD20 and anti-SMA antibody. The control group was composed of 10 dermatomyositis ( DM)cases and 10 polymyositis ( PM) cases. Results The age of onset was (25. 2 ± 12. 6) years old and the average course was (7. 8 ±7. 3) years. The sex ratio of male to female was 1.6: 1. Five of them had family history. The main clinical features were progressive weakness and atrophy of facial, shoulder girdles and proximal upper limbs muscles. The lower distal limbs and (or) lower distal limbs and pelvic girdle muscles were involved in 18 cases. The main pathological features were shown as followed. Seventeen of them had focal inflammatory cell infiltration, including endomysial inflammation (4/17) , perivasculitis (7/17) , and transmural vasculitis (6/17). Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the major types of inflammatory cells were CD4* T lymphocytes and CD20B lymphocytes, which was familiar with DM. While in PM, CD8+ T lymphocytes were dominant The proportionality of residual muscle fibers obviously decreased in inflammatory infiltration group ( 48. 0% ± 23. 6% ) than non-inflammatory infiltration group ( 94. 3% ±3. 1% , T = 198. 000, P = 0. 000). As to CK levels, there were no significant deviation. Conclusions Obvious inflammatory cell infiltration can be seen in FSHD, the locations of inflammatory cells are endomyosium inflammation, perivasculitis and transmural vasculitis. Transmural vasculitis indicates vascular pathological factor may have something to do with pathogenesis of FSHD.     

三例包涵体肌炎的临床与病理特点

目的探讨包涵体肌炎（ＩＢＭ）的临床与病理特点。方法总结３例ＩＢＭ病人的临床特点，并对肌活检标本进行酶组织化学、组织化学病理和超微病理研究。结果３例女性病人均在２４～３６岁发病，其临床特点为以双下肢无力起病，渐累及上肢，远端肢体受累常见。腱反射消失，血清肌酸激酶正常或轻度增高，肌活检光镜检查发现其主要病理改变为镶边空泡纤维，肌浆或肌核内有嗜酸性包涵体，肌内膜炎性细胞浸润和成群萎缩肌纤维。电镜观察发现３例均有肌浆内细丝或管状细丝包涵体，其中１例有核内包涵体。镶边空泡内含淀粉样细丝、髓样结构、絮状无结构物质和其他胞浆分解产物。肌核改变包括异染色质增多、核变大，核内包涵体及核崩解。结论电镜包埋、半薄切片定位是电镜下寻找包涵体并确诊ＩＢＭ的关键步骤。肌核改变可能是ＩＢＭ的病因基础，镶边空泡和肌浆内包涵体有可能来自于崩解的肌核。     

Muscular dystrophy with separate clinical phenotypes in a large family

This report describes a large consanguineous family with muscular dystrophy in 23 patients showing intrafamilial variation of clinical expression. One main variant appeared in the first decade with proximal muscle weakness progressing over the next 20 years to wheelchair confinement, and appeared compatible with classical limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. The other main variant showed onset of distal muscle weakness in lower limbs in the third or fourth decade, progressing very slowly without greater disability throughout the lifetime. Tibial muscle weakness and wasting were clinical landmarks in this variant, but computed tomography of skeletal muscle revealed focal areas of fatty degeneration also in truncal, pelvifemoral, and distal leg muscles in a way not previously reported in distal myopathy. The overall difference in clinical findings between these main variants would suggest 2 separate genetic entities, genealogical data makes a common genetic background possible.