Centripetal Nystagmus, Slow Saccades, Cerebellar Ataxia, and Parkinsonism in a Patient With Anti-GAD65-Associated Stiff Person Syndrome Spectrum Disorder

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Title Centripetal Nystagmus, Slow Saccades, Cerebellar Ataxia, and Parkinsonism in a Patient With Anti-GAD65-Associated Stiff Person Syndrome Spectrum Disorder
Creator N. E. F. Hac; O. C. Murphy; A. A. Butala; S. D. Newsome; D. R. Gold
Affiliation Department of Neurology (NEFH), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; and Department of Neurology (OCM, AAB, SDN, DRG), The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
Abstract A 68-year-old woman with positional dizziness and progressive imbalance presented for vestibular evaluation. Examination was notable for spontaneous downbeat nystagmus (DBN), horizontal and vertical gaze-evoked nystagmus (GEN) with centripetal and rebound nystagmus, and positional apogeotropic nystagmus. There was also mild-moderate slowing of saccades horizontally and vertically and poor fast phases with an optokinetic stimulus. Further consultation by a movement disorder specialist uncovered asymmetric decrementing bradykinesia and rigidity, masked facies, and a wide-based stance without camptocormia. Screening serum laboratory results for metabolic, rheumatologic, infectious, heavy metal, endocrine, or vitamin abnormalities was normal. Surveillance imaging for neoplasms was unremarkable, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was negative for 14-3-3 and real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC). However, her anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (GAD65) immunoglobulin G(IgG) level was markedly elevated in serum to 426,202 IU/mL (reference range 0-5 IU/mL) and in CSF to 18.1 nmol/L (reference range ,0.03 nmol/L). No other autoantibodies were identified on the expanded paraneoplastic panel. The patient was referred to neuroimmunology, where torso rigidity, spasticity, and significant paravertebral muscle spasms were noted. Overall, the clinical presentation, examination findings, and extensive workup were consistent with a diagnosis of anti-GAD65-associated stiff person syndrome-plus (musculoskeletal plus cerebellar and/or brainstem involvement). She was subsequently treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and has been stable since commencing this therapy. In patients with centripetal nystagmus, especially in association with other cerebellar findings, an autoimmune cer- ebellar workup should be considered.
Subject Downbeat Nystagmus; Parkinsonism; Stiff Person Syndrome
OCR Text Show
Date 2023-06
Date Digital 2023-06
References 1. Gold D. Gaze-evoked, rebound, and centripetal nystagmus in cerebellar degeneration. Video. Neuro-Ophthalmology Virtual Education Library: NOVEL Web Site. Available at: https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6dp024r. Accessed March 23, 2021. 2. Gold D. Centripetal nystagmus example. Video. Neuro-Ophthalmology Virtual Education Library: NOVEL Web Site. Available at: https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s62pby9e. Accessed August 11, 2022. 3. Buttner U, Grundei T. Gaze-evoked nystagmus and smooth pursuit deficits: their relationship studied in 52 patients. J Neurol. 1995;242:384-389. 4. Kim HA, Yi HA, Lee H. Apogeotropic central positional nystagmus as a sole sign of nodular infarction. Neurol Sci. 2012;33:1189-1191.
Language eng
Format application/pdf
Type Text
Publication Type Journal Article
Source Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, June 2023, Volume 43, Issue 2
Collection Neuro-Ophthalmology Virtual Education Library: Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology Archives: https://novel.utah.edu/jno/
Publisher Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Holding Institution Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah
Rights Management © North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society
ARK ark:/87278/s69kaxbt
Setname ehsl_novel_jno
ID 2498908
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s69kaxbt