Spinal MRI Findings of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Abstract

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a relatively common, acute, and rapidly progressive, inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. The diagnosis is usually established on the basis of symptoms and signs, aided by cerebrospinal fluid findings and electrophysiologic criteria. Previously, radiologic examinations have been used only to rule out other spinal abnormalities. We report a case of systemic lupus erythematosus associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome with marked enhancement of nerve roots of the conus medullaris and cauda equina on MR imaging. These MR observations may help confirm the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Redefining the Guillain-Barré Spectrum in Children: Neuroimaging Findings of Cranial Nerve Involvement

“…[1][2][3] A mild respiratory or gastrointestinal tract infection precedes onset of symptoms in 75% of patients with GBS. 4,5 It has been suggested that surgical procedures, lymphoma, and systemic lupus erythematosus may also be predisposing conditions for GBS. 4 Presentation of GBS is initially characterized by progressive and ascending weakness of the extremities and areflexia.…”

“…4,5 It has been suggested that surgical procedures, lymphoma, and systemic lupus erythematosus may also be predisposing conditions for GBS. 4 Presentation of GBS is initially characterized by progressive and ascending weakness of the extremities and areflexia. Progression of symptoms is rapid and may include sensory disturbances, facial nerve palsies, autonomic dysfunction, pain, numbness, paraesthesia, and respiratory failure.…”

Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma Coexisting Guillan-Barré Syndrome in a Child: A Case Report

“…However, there are several reports of that enhanced spinal MR imaging can be used as a supplementary diagnostic modality in the diagnosis of GBS, when the clinical and electrophysiologic findings are equivocal12). The presence of nerve root enhancement on enhanced spinal MRI can be the evidence of GBS, in the present case.…”

Feasibility of 7T MRI for imaging fascicular structures of peripheral nerves

“…The high spatial resolution and excellent soft‐tissue contrast of MRI facilitates identification of structural nerve abnormalities caused by traumatic injury or repetitive stress . The fluid sensitivity of MRI provides detection of edema in nerves potentially caused by various pathologic mechanisms including inflammation, ischemia, and autoimmune disease . Quantitative mapping of diffusion, T2, and magnetization transfer demonstrated promising results in monitoring nerve degeneration …”

“…2,3,8,10 The fluid sensitivity of MRI provides detection of edema in nerves potentially caused by various pathologic mechanisms including inflammation, 11 ischemia, 12,13 and autoimmune disease. 14,15 Quantitative mapping of diffusion, T2, and magnetization transfer demonstrated promising results in monitoring nerve degeneration. 9,16,17 MRI evaluation of nerve fascicular structures, however, has not been reliable because of the limited resolution on the widely used 1.5T or 3T MRI scanners.…”