[Miller-Fisher syndrome].

BACKGROUND

Miller-Fisher syndrome is characterised by the clinical triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and areflexia and is considered a variant form of Guillain-Barré syndrome. In western countries the incidence is reported to be approximately 1-5% that of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Approximately 90% of patients have antibodies against the ganglioside GQ1b, which is of diagnostic and pathogenic importance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present two patients with Miller-Fisher syndrome and describe clinical features and possible mechanisms of GQ1b antibodies.

RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION

Both patients presented with the classical triad of symptoms and GQ1b antibodies after upper respiratory tract infections. One of the patients had a more severe form with additional bulbar signs and was treated with plasma exchange. Both made almost complete recoveries within a few months.