Acute neurogenic stunned myocardium in a patient with Guillain–Barré syndrome: case report

Abstract

Introduction: Autonomic dysfunction is a prevalent symptom of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS); cardiovascular involvement in this scenario has been mentioned infrequently in the literature. Case Presentation: A 65-year-old man with GBS presented with reversible left ventricular systolic failure. On first presentation, our patient had no history or indications of heart malfunction. During the clinical manifestation of his autonomic dysfunction, he had electrocardiographic alterations, modestly increased cardiac enzymes, significant left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and segmental wall motion irregularity. Once the initial episode was over, these anomalies and his symptoms resolved quickly. Discussion: We believe the reversible left ventricular dysfunction was caused by the toxic impact of elevated catecholamines as well as transiently injured sympathetic nerve endings in the myocardium, which was apparently caused by GBS. We recommend that echocardiography be performed in patients who exhibit clinical signs of autonomic dysfunction, particularly if they are associated with abnormal electrocardiographic findings, cardiac enzyme elevation, or hemodynamic instability, so that appropriate medical therapy can be instituted as soon as possible. Conclusion: GBS is a not a very rare situation in our context. Thus, doctors are supposed to know the life-threatening complications such as neurogenic stunned myocardium and be prepared to dodge it.