면역글로불린으로 치료한 Bickerstaff 뇌간뇌염 1예

Abstract

Bickerstaff’s brainstem encephalitis (BBE) is a rare disorder with acute ophthalmoparesis, ataxia, consciousness disturbance, and pyramidal signs of suspected autoimmune origin. A-62-year-old woman developed acute diplopia, dysarthria, gaze-paretic nystagmus and gait ataxia. Her mental status fell subsequently into stupor. Brain MRI and nerve conduction study showed no significantly abnormal findings. Electroencephalography revealed diffuse low voltage slowings. After treating with intravenous immunoglobulin, she demonstrated rapid clinical recovery. This case suggests that immunoglobulin can be an alternative option in BBE treatment, especially when plasmapheresis and corticosteroids are difficult or contraindicated.