title: Guillain-Barre syndrome and achalasia: two manifestations of a viral disease or coincidental association?
abstract: Guillain-Barre' syndrome and achalasia are rare diseases of uncertain cause. However, viral etiologies have been postulated for each disorder. The concomitant presence of both disorders in a patient suggests a common etiology, because a coincidental association would be exceedingly rare. Indeed, to our knowledge, the concomitant appearance of Guillain-Barre' syndrome and achalasia has not been previously reported. We now report our observation of a patient who developed dysphagia shortly after onset of Guillain-Barre' syndrome. Achalasia was subsequently diagnosed by manometry and was successfully treated by pneumatic dilation. The concomitant appearance of Guillain-Barre' syndrome and achalasia in our patient supports the notion of a viral etiology for achalasia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Firouzi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Keshavarzian
mesh_terms: D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D002404:Catheterization; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011129:Polyradiculoneuropathy / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral