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Neuropathy of the phrenic nerve associated with antiganglioside antibodies
Author(s) -
Serrien Anouk,
Sanders Katrien,
Claeys Kristl G.,
Poesen Koen,
Testelmans Dries,
Van Damme Philip
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
european journal of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1468-1331
pISSN - 1351-5101
DOI - 10.1111/ene.14814
Subject(s) - medicine , phrenic nerve , antibody , diaphragmatic breathing , paralysis , palsy , guillain barre syndrome , immunology , pathology , surgery , respiratory system , alternative medicine
Background and purpose Antiganglioside antibodies have been implicated in several autoimmune‐mediated neuropathies, and binding of these antibodies can result in inflammatory changes of the nerves. Diaphragmatic paralysis is a rare condition, mostly arising from diseases affecting the phrenic nerve, neuromuscular junction, or skeletal muscle. Objectives In this case series, we identified five patients with diaphragmatic paralysis due to unilateral or bilateral neuropathy of the phrenic nerve associated with the presence of antiganglioside antibodies (immunoglobulin G anti‐GT1a antibodies and immunoglobulin M anti‐GM1 antibodies). Discussion The combination of an isolated phrenic nerve palsy with anti‐GM1 antibodies has only once been described. On the other hand, the association of anti‐GT1a antibodies with phrenic nerve palsy has never been reported before. Conclusions We report an association between phrenic nerve palsy and the presence of antiganglioside antibodies, but it remains unclear if there is a causal relationship. Further studies are needed to explore this matter.