Ocular Manifestations of Miller Fisher Syndrome: a Case Report

Abstract

Background: Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome and is characterised by a clinical triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and areflexia.

Objectives: This report presents an atypical case of MFS characterized by ocular and gastrointestinal involvement, and anti-ganglioside antibody-positivity.

Methods: A 17-year old boy was referred to our ophthalmology emergency room with signs and symptoms of diplopia and upper lid ptosis of the right eye. He underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination with special reference to strabologic status, as well as a neuropediatric examination with serum antiganglioside antibody panel.

Results: Strabologic examination showed horisontal diplopia (near and far), ptosis of the upper eyelid on the right and bilateral ophthalmoplegia (limited elevation). Orthoptic examination revealed esotropia of 8 prism dioptres (PD) at near and 18 PD at far distance. A pediatric neurologist found normal limb power, deep tendon reflexes and flexor plantar responses, but attenuated right patellar reflex. Serum anti-GQ1b IgG (+++), anti-GQ1b IgM (++) and anti-GD1a IgM(++) were positive. Positivity of anti-GQ1b IgG antibody confirmed the existence of incomplete MFS. We treated the patient with systemic intravenous immunoglobulins for five days, and after five months of follow-up, all symptoms resolved.

Conclusion: MFS can present itself as a wide range of clinical features and its timely recognition is important. Despite the alarming nature of the disease, patients with MFS tend to have a good recovery of presented symptoms, and without any significant residual deficit.

Keywords: Miller Fisher syndrome; antiganglioside antibody; diplopia; ophthalmoplegia; ptosis.