J Korean Med Sci.  2013 Dec;28(12):1839-1841. 10.3346/jkms.2013.28.12.1839.

A Case of Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy Following Hepatitis A Infection

• Jo YS
• Han SD
• Choi JY
• Kim IH
• Kim YD
• Na SJ

• KMID: 1779430
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2013.28.12.1839

Abstract

Acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) are recently described subtypes of Guillain-Barre syndrome characterized by acute onset of distal weakness, loss of deep tendon reflexes, and sensory symptoms. A 21-yr-old male was transferred to our hospital due to respiration difficulties and progressive weakness. In laboratory findings, immunoglobulin M antibodies against hepatitis A were detected in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The findings of motor nerve conduction studies showed markedly reduced amplitudes of compound muscle action potentials in bilateral peroneal, and posterior tibial nerves, without evidence of demyelination. Based on clinical features, laboratory findings, and electrophysiologic investigation, the patient was diagnosed the AMSAN following acute hepatitis A viral infection. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and recovered slowly. Clinicians should consider this rare but a serious case of AMSAN following acute hepatitis A infection.

Keyword

Guillain-Barre Syndrome; Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Hepatitis A; Molecular Mimicry

MeSH Terms

Acute Disease
Electromyography
Guillain-Barre Syndrome/*diagnosis/drug therapy/etiology
Hepatitis A/complications/*diagnosis
Humans
Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use
Male
Young Adult
Immunoglobulins, Intravenous

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