Canomad presenting without ophthalmoplegia and responding to intravenous immunoglobulin

Abstract

The acronym CANOMAD encompasses chronic ataxic neuropathy combined with ophthalmoplegia, M protein, cold agglutinins, and anti-disialosyl antibodies.Herein we describe 2 patients presenting with progressive ataxic neuropathy who only developed ophthalmoplegia after a significant delay post-presentation, which in 1 case had features indicative of brainstem dysfunction. Both patients were found to have an IgM paraprotein and anti-disialosyl antibodies. They responded to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, thus illustrating the importance of diagnosing this condition.