Abstract

GOMES, Dora et al. A child with miller fisher syndrome. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2012, vol.21, n.1, pp.33-36. ISSN 0872-0754.

Background: Miller Fisher syndrome, a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome, is an acute inflammatory demyelinating disease that is rare in children. The diagnosis is based on the triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and areflexia. In about half of the cases there is an infectious complication preceding neurologic symptoms in five to ten days. Case report: We describe the case of a five year-old boy who presented with a three-day history of diplopia, dysarthria and gait disturbance following an acute gastroenteritis. On examination he was found to have ataxia, areflexia and ophthalmoplegia. The laboratorial and imaging investigations were normal. The results of electromyogram were consistent with subacute polyradiculoneuropathy. The diagnosis of Miller Fisher syndrome was made after the exclusion of other conditions. The clinical outcome was favorable without respiratory failure or other complications, with gradual improvement of neurological deficits. Ataxia was restored in four weeks and ophthalmoplegia improved three months later. Conclusions: Miller Fisher syndrome is extremely rare in children and is a diagnostic challenge at those ages. Outcome is usually good. This report outlines the frequency of Miller Fisher syndrome and lists the differential diagnoses that should be considered.

Keywords : Miller Fisher syndrome; Guillain-Barré syndrome; demyelinating disease; child.

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