Atypical Miller Fisher syndrome with GQ1b antibodies

Abstract

An atypical case of Miller Fisher syndrome is described in a patient with ophthalmoplegia and mild ataxia but no areflexia. High titres of acute phase antibodies to gangliosides asialo-GM1 and GQ1b were detected. Asialo-GM1 antibodies have not been previously reported in association with Miller Fisher syndrome. Considerable clinical recovery occurred in association with reduction in the ganglioside antibody titres. Ganglioside antibody assays may be helpful in the diagnosis of atypical cases of Miller Fisher syndrome. Detailed clinical, radiological and laboratory evaluation of suspected cases is warranted to improve our understanding of Miller Fisher syndrome. Such studies and the correlation with ganglioside antibody titres will also provide insights into the relationship between the classical and atypical cases of Miller Fisher syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome and Bickerstaff's brain stem encephalitis.