Reversible Stress Cardiomyopathy in Guillain-Barre Syndrome: A Case Report

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disorder in which autoantibodies mainly affect the peripheral nervous system. Autonomic dysfunction is a common and severe complication of GBS. Cardiomyopathy, though, is a rare complication in GBS with only few cases reported in the literature. We present the case of a 65-year-old woman with GBS who developed cardiomyopathy shortly after admission to the ICU due to respiratory deterioration. The estimated Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) on admission was 20%. Coronary angiography was negative for coronary artery disease and cardiac MRI excluded myocarditis. Her clinical condition improved with supportive therapy and the estimated LVEF on discharge was normal. Clinicians should be aware of this potentially lethal complication of GBS and the therapeutic options, as early diagnosis can improve prognosis. Routine electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic assessment should be performed in patients with GBS presenting with hemodynamic instability.