Pearls & Oy-sters: Delayed Diagnosis of Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy With Cardiac Arrest

Abstract

We present the case of a 53-year-old female who presented with right lower extremity weakness with preceding systemic symptoms including fever and chest pain. She developed rapid quadriparesis over 24 hours and had ventricular fibrillation with cardiac arrest. Examination demonstrated tetraplegia, facial diplegia with spared extra-ocular movements and areflexia. Electrodiagnostic studies including nerve conduction studies and electromyography were consistent with Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN). This case highlights an atypical asymmetric presentation with initially preserved reflexes, rapid progression and cardiac dysfunction that can occur independent of dysautonomia. Treatment options include intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or plasmapheresis as well as supportive care and long term multidisciplinary rehabilitation and communication strategies.