Anti-GQ1b-negative Miller–Fisher syndrome with lower cranial nerve involvement from parasinusoidal aspergilloma

Abstract

Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) typically presents with ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia. Atypical MFS additionally includes bulbar impairment, affection of the limbs, or abortive presentations. Mostly, MFS follows an infection with Campylobacter jejunii. Aspergilloma has not been reported to trigger MFS. In a 48-year-old male tiredness, tinnitus, otalgia, parietal hyperaesthesia, coughing, plugged nose, hypoacusis, globus sensation, epipharyngeal pain, dysarthria, hypogeusia, arthralgia, lid cloni, facial hypaesthesia and tooth ache consecutively developed. There were occasional lid cloni, left-sided facial hypaesthesia, reduced gag reflex, divesting soft palate, and absent tendon reflexes. CSF investigations revealed normal cell-count but increased protein. Antibodies against GM1 and GQ1b were negative. Atypical MFS was diagnosed. Otolaryngological examinations revealed chronic sinusitis maxillaris from an aspergilloma. After immunoglobulins and resectioning of the aspergilloma, neurological abnormalities disappeared within 19d. MFS may manifest as unilateral lower cranial nerve lesions without affection of the upper cranial nerves or ataxia. Atypical MFS may be triggered by parasinusoidal aspergilloma.