Acute vision loss in Guillain–Barré syndrome: A case series and review of literature

Abstract

Abstract Background Acute vision loss in Guillain–Barré syndrome is rarely reported in literature. No case of vision loss in Guillain–Barré syndrome due to Angle closure glaucoma has been reported in AIDP variant GBS. Case presentation We report three patients with an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy subtype of GBS who developed acute vision loss during the course of disease. Two patients had autonomic dysfunction with hypertension, in which one patient presented with painful acute vision loss and was diagnosed with Angle closure glaucoma and another patient had painless vision loss which was due to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Third patient presented with bilateral papilledema with raised cerebrospinal fluid protein and intracranial pressure. Vision in all the three patients improved after treatment. Conclusion Patient with GBS, with autonomic dysfunction and hypertension or elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein may present with acute vision loss during the course of the disease. Early diagnosis and management help to improve vision and prevent permanent vision loss in these patients.

Keywords

• Guillain–Barré syndrome
• Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
• Angle closure glaucoma
• Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
• Papilledema
• Vision loss