HYDROCEPHALUS IN GUILLAIN-BARRE-SYNDROME

Hydrocephalus and pseudotumour cerebri are a rare complication of Guil lain-Barre syndrome (GBS), occurring in about 4% of the cases. The hig h concentration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein may lead to a dec reased CSF absorption in arachnoid villi. A 10-year-old boy with GBS a nd hydrocephalus is presented. A mechanical ventilation was required 7 days after admission and he had been on the mechanical ventilation fo r 6 weeks. Lumbar puncture performed on admission revealed clear CSF w ith an opening pressure of 15 cm H2O and no cells, a normal glucose le vel and a protein of 240 mg/dl. He complained of headache and diplopia 11 weeks after admission. Fundoscopy revealed papilloedema, and bilat eral mild abducens pareses were also detected. Magnetic resonance imag ing displayed a communicating hydrocephalus and interstitial oedema. A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt relieved the symptoms of intracranial hyp ertension. In GBS, serial computed tomographic scans should be perform ed in patients with headache and papilloedema. Hydrocephalus may devel op in GBS.