Guillain-Barre Syndrome after Appendectomy: A case report

Background@#Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute monophasic paralyzing illness that typically occurs after gastroenteritis and respiratory tract infection. Antecedent surgical procedures are less recognized trigger of GBS.@*Objectives@#This paper aims to report a case of demyelinating variety of GBS that developed after appendectomy.@*Methods@#This is a case of a 39-year-old Filipino male who was admitted due to acute appendicitis. He developed lower extremity weakness 4 days after appendectomy. His motor deficit initially presented distally from lower extremities, which advanced to the trunk, upper extremities, and muscles of speech and deglutition. Paresthesia of the fingers and toes and distal areflexia on both lower extremities were also elicited.@*Results@#Diagnosis was done clinically. Nerve conduction study showed demyelinating variant, uncommon for a post traumatic GBS. Supportive care was rendered which resulted in complete recovery.@*Conclusion@#Surgery is a known but less identified cause of GBS. Although rare, we should consider GBS in patients presenting with ascending or progressive weakness after recent surgery because its early identification renders immediate and appropriate treatment.

Role of cerebrovascular risk factors in dementia

With the rapid increase in the prevalence of dementia worldwide there has been significant research into modifiable risk factors for dementia. In this regard cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) represent a potential therapeutic target in the fight against the epidemic of dementia. Both large vessel CVD and small vessel disease in the form of chronic lacunes, white matter hyperintensity, microbleeds, and perivascular spaces have been strongly associated with the risk of developing dementia. These CVD factors may initiate or accelerate the amyloid and tau cascades resulting in greater rates of neurodegeneration and dementia. Understanding the precise mechanisms for the interaction between CVD and neurodegeneration will allow development of potential interventional targets. These CVD risk factors may be of particular relevance to the Asian population where a high burden of small vessel CVD has been demonstrated in Asian patients with dementia