An Uncommon Cause of Fatal Paralysis

Alberto P. Gallardo, M. D.

Department of Anatomic Pathology and Epidemiology
The Autonomous University of Nayarit at Tepic
Mexico

Sections
Clinical History

Pathology

Gross
Light Microscopy
Electron Microscopy

Diagnosis & Discussion
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Clinical Presentation

An eighteen year old male presented with signs and symptoms of malaise, anorexia, fever 38°C, weakness and flaccid paralysis of the legs. Clonic movements of the legs were noticed several times. During his hospital course, flaccid paralysis progressed to involve the upper extremities. Tension positive Babinski's reflex was present. The patient did not become comatose. In spite of supportive therapy, this patient died after a brief hospital course of three days. Permission for a complete autopsy examination was obtained.

Clinical Diagnosis

Guillaine-Barré syndrome

Pathology