Miller-Fisher syndrome and Guillain-Barre syndrome overlap syndrome following inactivated COVID-19 vaccine: Case report and scope review.

Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) manifesting as the triad of ataxia, areflexia, and ophthalmoplegia. With the extensive 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) immunization program, cases of GBS or MFS following vaccination are increasingly being reported. A 64-y-old Chinese man presented with new-onset paresthesia of the extremities, bilateral abduction limitation, right facial palsy, areflexia of bilateral lower limbs, and left-dominant limb ataxia 12 d after the second dose of inactivated vaccine against COVID-19. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicated albumin-cytological dissociation and was positive for anti-GQ1b IgG and anti-GT1b IgG. Nerve conduction studies of limbs showed evidence of axonal neuropathy with reduced sensory amplitudes. Based on the clinical presentations, temporal progression of symptoms, and laboratory findings, the diagnosis of MFS-GBS overlap syndrome was made. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and acupuncture and made a complete recovery 54 d after the onset of his initial neurological signs. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of MFS-GBS overlap syndrome following the inactivated COVID-19 vaccination. However, a coincidental relationship with this inactivated vaccine cannot be excluded. Although the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination largely outweigh its risk and the prognosis of MFS is generally favorable, a close surveillance of neurological complications post-COVID-19 vaccination is always necessary, considering its potentially disabling and lethal effects on vaccinated populations.

A case of Miller Fisher syndrome with delayed onset peripheral facial nerve palsy after COVID-19 vaccination: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, various vaccines have been developed and used in a large number of people worldwide. One of the most commonly used vaccines is the mRNA vaccine developed by Moderna. Although several studies have shown this vaccine to be safe, the full extent of its side effects has not yet been known. Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare condition that manifests ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and loss of tendon reflexes. It is a subtype of Guillain-Barré syndrome and an immune-mediated disease related to serum IgG anti-GQ1b antibodies. Several vaccines including those for COVID-19 have been reported to induce MFS. However, there have been no reports of MFS following Moderna COVID-19 vaccine administration. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to diplopia that manifested 1 week after receiving the second Moderna vaccine dose. The patient presented with restricted abduction of both eyes, mild ataxia, and loss of tendon reflexes. He was diagnosed with MFS based on his neurological findings and detection of serum anti-GQ1b antibodies. The patient was administered intravenous immunoglobulin, and his symptoms gradually improved. Five days after admission, the patient showed peripheral facial paralysis on the right side. This symptom was suggested to be a delayed onset of peripheral facial nerve palsy following MFS that gradually improved by administration of steroids and antiviral drugs. CONCLUSION: There have been no previous reports of MFS after Moderna COVID-19 vaccination. This case may provide new information about the possible neurological side effects of COVID-19 vaccines.

Miller Fisher syndrome following COVID-19 vaccines: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), a variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), could be underestimated in evaluations of its adverse events (AEs) following COVID-19 vaccination. We aimed to identify and characterize MFS following COVID-19 vaccination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant studies reported on during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified in the MEDLINE, Embase, and other databases. RESULTS: Nine cases of MFS following COVID-19 vaccination from various regions were included. Unlike MFS following COVID-19 infection, patients with MFS following COVID-19 vaccination frequently presented with anti-GQ1b antibody positivity (44%, 4/9). Unlike GBS following COVID-19 vaccination, only two of nine (22%) cases of MFS following COVID-19 vaccination had developed after viral-vector-related vaccine administration. CONCLUSIONS: Miller Fisher syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination seems to have a different pathophysiology from MFS following COVID-19 infection and GBS following COVID-19 vaccination. This neurological syndrome with a rare incidence and difficulty in diagnosis should be considered an AE of COVID-19 vaccination.

Miller Fisher syndrome after COVID-19 vaccination: Case report and review of literature.

RATIONALE: Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome, classically diagnosed based on the clinical triad of ataxia, areflexia, and ophthalmoplegia. MFS is usually preceded by viral infections and febrile illness; however, only a few cases have been reported after vaccinations. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 53-year-old hypertensive male presented with a 2-day history of progressive ascending paralysis of the lower limbs along with diplopia and ataxia, 8 days after the first dose of the Sinovac-Coronavac coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination, with no prior history of any predisposing infections or triggers. DIAGNOSES: Physical examination showed moderate motor and sensory loss with areflexia in the lower limbs bilaterally. Routine blood investigations and radiological investigations were unremarkable. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed albuminocytologic dissociation and nerve conduction studies revealed prolonged latencies with reduced conduction velocities. The diagnosis of MFS was established based on the findings of physical examination, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and nerve conduction studies. INTERVENTIONS: A management plan was devised based on intravenous immunoglobulins, pregabalin, and physiotherapy. However, due to certain socioeconomic factors, the patient was managed conservatively with regular physiotherapy sessions. OUTCOMES: Follow-up after 6 weeks showed remarkable improvement, with complete resolution of symptoms 10 weeks after the discharge. LESSONS: This case suggests that MFS is a rare adverse effect after COVID-19 vaccination and additional research is required to substantiate a temporal association. Further studies are needed to understand the pathophysiology behind such complications to enhance the safety of COVID-19 vaccinations in the future.

Miller Fisher syndrome following Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

INTRODUCTION: Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a rare variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome characterized by ataxia, areflexia, and ophthalmoplegia. We present a case of MFS following Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. CASE PRESENTATION: A previously healthy 24-year-old female presented with binocular horizontal diplopia 18 days after receiving the first dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty®). Anti-ganglioside testing revealed positive anti-GQ1b antibodies. Intravenous immunoglobulins were administered, in a dose of 2 g per kg of body weight over 5 days. On a follow-up exam 3 weeks after the treatment, clinical improvement was noted with normal bulbomotor examination. CONCLUSION: Patients with acute ophthalmoplegia occurring after COVID-19 vaccination should be screened for the presence of anti-GQ1b antibody. If the antibody is present, intravenous immunoglobulin should be administered as it may hasten clinical improvement.

Miller-Fisher Syndrome and Guillain-Barre Syndrome overlap syndrome in a patient post Oxford-AstraZeneca SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

We describe a patient who developed bilateral oculomotor nerve palsy, ataxia, facial diplegia and lower limb weakness 2 weeks post-Oxford-AstraZeneca SARS-CoV2 vaccination, consistent with Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS) and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) overlap syndrome. Although some features of the patient's presentation were typical of recently reported cases of a rare GBS variant post-Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccination, including severe facial weakness and a lack of respiratory involvement, to our knowledge this is the first reported case of MFS associated with SARS-CoV2 vaccination. While postvaccination GBS remains rare, it appears to have a favourable prognosis, and recognising this entity is therefore important for patient counselling and monitoring for potential complications.

A rare case of Miller Fisher variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) induced by a checkpoint inhibitor.

With the recent development of novel, more potent cancer treatment, in particular, immune 'checkpoint inhibitors', cases of neurological immune-related adverse events are on the rise. Although rare, this includes Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). We present the case of a 68-year-old male who was admitted with sudden onset of worsening neurological symptoms following immunotherapy treatment. These symptoms progressed quickly to respiratory failure requiring intubation and admission to the intensive care unit. He was thoroughly investigated and is believed to have an axonal neuropathy in the form of Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS) variant of GBS, secondary to immunotherapy treatment. He was initially treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, and later, perhaps more effectively, with high dose steroids which significantly improved his symptoms. This case of checkpoint inhibitor-induced MFS is one of few in the literature and is an important reminder of the potential for new immunotherapeutic agents to cause significant neurotoxic effects. These should be promptly and thoroughly investigated, in particular, as the management of these patients can differ from standard treatments used in these conditions.

[Miller Fisher syndrome following treatment with certolizumab in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis]. / Sindrome de Miller Fisher tras tratamiento con certolizumab en una paciente con artritis reumatoide.

TITLE: Sindrome de Miller Fisher tras tratamiento con certolizumab en una paciente con artritis reumatoide.

Síndrome de Miller Fisher tras tratamiento con certolizumab en una paciente con artritis reumatoide / Miller Fisher syndrome following treatment with certolizumab in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

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[Neurological complications during treatment of the tumor necrosis alpha inhibitors]. / Powiklania neurologiczne w przebiegu leczenia inhibitorami przeciwcial monoklonalnych.

Medications with TNF-alpha inhibitors family are successfully applicable in rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology and neurology. Still, the ongoing research on the safety assessment of their application, also due to neurological complications. The vast majority of these complications is associated with an increased risk of serious virus (Herpes simplex--JC) and bacterial (Listeria monocytogenes) neuroinfections. They can cause the occurrence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy--PML with a severe clinical course and poor prognosis or herpes simplex encephalitis--HSE. Meta-analysis revealed a number of cases of PML and the HSE in the first 6 months of treatment with natalizumab, efalizumab, rituximab, abatacept and infliximab. Common complication occasionally turning on this biologics is chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy or Lewis-Sumner syndrome. Described are cases of central and peripheral demyelination typical of multiple sclerosis (MS). Are also reported cases of motor multifocal neuropathy with conduction block acute encephalithis with polyneuropathy or mononeuropathy in the form of anterior optic neuropathy Guillen-Barre' syndrome and its variant, Miller-Fisher syndrome have been confirmed as adverse events following treatment with infliximab. Also revealed several cases of myasthenia gravis after using etanercept. In the few cases of systemic lupus CNS involvement caused by treatment with TNF inhibitors, the mechanism of these disorders is still considered too vague. Due to the emerging reports on the number of neurological adverse events of TNF antagonists, significantly higher than those described in the literature, the safety of their use requires further monitoring and multicenter studies.

Chart-confirmed guillain-barre syndrome after 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccination among the Medicare population, 2009-2010.

Given the increased risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) found with the 1976 swine influenza vaccine, both active surveillance and end-of-season analyses on chart-confirmed cases were performed across multiple US vaccine safety monitoring systems, including the Medicare system, to evaluate the association of GBS after 2009 monovalent H1N1 influenza vaccination. Medically reviewed cases consisted of H1N1-vaccinated Medicare beneficiaries who were hospitalized for GBS. These cases were then classified by using Brighton Collaboration diagnostic criteria. Thirty-one persons had Brighton level 1, 2, or 3 GBS or Fisher Syndrome, with symptom onset 1-119 days after vaccination. Self-controlled risk interval analyses estimated GBS risk within the 6-week period immediately following H1N1 vaccination compared with a later control period, with additional adjustment for seasonality. Our results showed an elevated risk of GBS with 2009 monovalent H1N1 vaccination (incidence rate ratio = 2.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.14, 5.11; attributable risk = 2.84 per million doses administered, 95% confidence interval: 0.21, 5.48). This observed risk was slightly higher than that seen with previous seasonal influenza vaccines; however, additional results that used a stricter case definition (Brighton level 1 or 2) were not statistically significant, and our ability to account for preceding respiratory/gastrointestinal illness was limited. Furthermore, the observed risk was substantially lower than that seen with the 1976 swine influenza vaccine.

Guillain-Barré syndrome following receipt of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine in Korea with an emphasis on Brighton Collaboration case definition.

BACKGROUND: In 2009-2010 season, with ongoing of influenza A (H1N1), employment of mass vaccination has generated concerns in issue of adverse events following immunization (AEFI). This study investigates the clinical and laboratory data of reported cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and Fisher syndrome (FS) following receipt of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) in Korea, with all cases reviewed under case definition developed by Brighton Collaboration GBS Working Group. METHOD: Retrospective review of medical records for all suspected cases of GBS ad FS following receipt of influenza A (H1N1) monovalent vaccine reported to NVICP from December 1, 2009, through April 28, 2010 was conducted. Additional analyses were performed for identification of levels of diagnostic certainty according to Brighton Collaboration case definition. RESULT: Of 29 reported cases, 22 were confirmed to meet Brighton criteria level 1, 2, or 3 for GBS (21) or FS (1). Of those, 2 (9.1%) met level 1, 9 (40.9%) met level 2, and 11 (50.0%) met level 3. The male to female ratio was 2:0 in cases with level 1, 8:1 in cases with level 2, and 3:8 in cases with level 3. The mean age was older in cases with level 1 (54.0 ± 26.9) than that of cases with level 2 (25.6 ± 22.8), and level 3 (13.6 ± 2.4, P=0.005). The median onset interval was longer in cases with level 1 (16 days) than that of cases that met level 2 (12.44 days), and 3 (1.09 days, P=0.019). CONCLUSION: The Brighton case definition was used to improve the quality of AEFI data in Korea, and was applicable in retrospective review of medical records in cases with GBS and FS after influenza A (H1N1) vaccination. These findings suggest that standardized case definition was feasible in clarifying the AEFI data, and to further increase the understanding of possible relationship of influenza vaccine and GBS.

Guillain-Barré and Miller Fisher syndromes occurring with tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonist therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Diverse neurologic syndromes have been described in association with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) antagonist therapy for inflammatory arthritides and Crohn's disease. The objective of this study was to review the occurrence and clinical features of Guillain-Barré syndrome and its variant, the Miller Fisher syndrome, during TNFalpha antagonist therapy. METHODS: The postmarketing database of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was searched, following our experience with a patient with rheumatoid arthritis in whom the Miller Fisher syndrome variant of the Guillain-Barré syndrome developed while he was receiving infliximab therapy. RESULTS: Our index patient had a neurologic illness defined initially by ataxia and dysarthria, which fluctuated in relation to each subsequent infliximab infusion and, after 6 months, culminated in areflexic flaccid quadriplegia. In addition, 15 patients in whom Guillain-Barré syndrome developed following TNFalpha antagonist therapy were identified from the FDA database. Guillain-Barré syndrome developed following infliximab therapy in 9 patients, following etanercept therapy in 5 patients, and following adalimumab therapy in 1 patient. Among the 13 patients for whom followup data were available, 1 patient experienced no resolution, 9 patients had partial resolution, and 3 patients had complete resolution of Guillain-Barré syndrome following therapy. CONCLUSION: An association of Guillain-Barré syndrome with TNFalpha antagonist therapy is supported by the worsening of neurologic symptoms that occurred in our index patient following each infusion of infliximab, and by the temporal association of this syndrome with TNFalpha antagonist therapy in 15 other patients. An acute or subacute demyelinating polyneuropathy should be considered a potential adverse effect of TNFalpha antagonist therapy.