Hass, Reece

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) describes a neurological syndrome characterised by acute, areflexic paralysis, often preceded by an immune stimulating event such as infection or surgery. Spinal surgery as an inciting event is very uncommon with few reported cases. When paraparesis develops in close proximity of surgery, surgical complications should be considered, but if an asymptomatic clinical interval precedes a progressive ascending weakness this association weakens and may support an immunological mechanism. GBS after lumbar surgery is wholly unexpected and thus there are significant challenges in recognising and making the diagnosis. We report a case of fulminant GBS that progressed to loss of all motor function following elective lumbar spine surgery.

Abstract Background Powassan virus (POWV) is an emerging arthropod-borne flavivirus, transmitted by Ixodes spp. ticks, which has been associated with neuroinvasive disease and poor outcomes. Methods A retrospective study was conducted at Mayo Clinic from 2013 to 2022. We included clinical and epidemiologic data of probable and confirmed neuroinvasive POWV cases. Results Sixteen patients with neuroinvasive POWV were identified; their median age was 63.2 years, and 62.5% were male. Six patients presented with rhombencephalitis, 4 with isolated meningitis, 3 with meningoencephalitis, 2 with meningoencephalomyelitis, and 1 with opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome. A median time of 18 days was observed between symptom onset and diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis with elevated protein and normal glucose in the majority of patients. Death occurred within 90 days in 3 patients (18.8%), and residual neurologic deficits were seen in 8 survivors (72.7%). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the largest case series of patients with neuroinvasive POWV infection. We highlight the importance of a high clinical suspicion among patients who live in or travel to high-risk areas during the spring to fall months. Our data show high morbidity and mortality rates among patients with neuroinvasive disease.