Guillain-Barré syndrome

      The etiology for this acute polyneuropathy is unknown, but it is probably some type of autoimmune reaction to an antecedent viral infection. The Guillain-Barré syndrome consists of ascending motor weakness that can progress to total paralysis over a period of days to weeks. The illness has a monophasic course, and recovery is generally favorable in those patients that survive.

      The MR manifestations are similar to CMV, namely diffuse enhancement of the cauda equina on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images. Involvement of the spinal cord may be more pronounced in Guillain-Barré.  

{To return to cases, use the "Back " button on the Toolbar}