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A case of central nervous system vasculitis related to an episode of Guillain-Barrè syndrome

Daniele Sinardi, Antonella Spada, Antonella Marino and Epifanio Mondello

Author Affiliations

University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy

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Critical Care 2000, 4:245-248 doi:10.1186/cc700

Published: 16 June 2000

Abstract

The authors report their knowledge about an uncommon case of isolated vasculitis, restricted to the left sylvian artery during an auto-immune Guillain-Barrè syndrome (GBS), sustained by cytomegalovirus (CMV). An acute cardiopulmonary failure requiring a ventilator and vasopressor support manifested, notwithstanding plasma exchanging and immune-modulating therapy. An IgM-enriched formula administration coincided with a rapid amelioration of GBS and vasculitis to a complete recovery the next month after her discharge to a rehabilitation centre.

Keywords:
central nervous sytem vasculitis; cytomegalovirus; Guillain-Barrè Syndrome; IgM immunoglobulins