Hyperpyrexia-triggered relapses in an unusual case of ataxic chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

Abstract

The ataxic form of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (ataxic-CIDP) has been recently described as a subtype of chronic ataxic neuropathy, distinguished by steroid responsiveness and relative preservation of myelinated fibres at sural nerve biopsy. We report on a case of progressive, predominantly sensory, steroid-responsive neuropathy with clinical, laboratory, electrophysiological and pathological features of this uncommon form of CIDP. Moreover, the present case displays peculiar hyperpyrexia-triggered relapses leading to transitory severe tetraparesis, bilateral facial drooping, dysphonia, dysphagia and dyspnoea, which leave clinicians with some unresolved questions.