Isolated bulbar palsy with anti-GM3 and GT1b antibodies

ABSTRACT

Isolated acute bulbar palsy has been described as one of the more rare variants of Guillain-Barré syndrome. IgG anti-ganglioside antibodies are associated with axonal subtypes of Guillain-Barré syndrome as well as Fisher syndrome. However, IgG against GM3 and GT1b in relation to bulbar palsy is uncommon. In this case report, we describe a 64 year-old male patient presenting with isolated bulbar weakness and generalized hyporeflexia without limb weakness. Serological testing for antiganglioside antibodies was positive for IgG anti-GM3 and -GT1b, suggesting the association of these antibodies with isolated bulbar palsy.