[Acute panautonomic neuropathy: a report of 4 cases].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of acute panautonomic neuropathy (APN).


METHODS
We reviewed the history, clinical findings, electrophysiological characteristics, laboratory features of CSF and treatment of 4 patients with APN.


RESULTS
All these patients showed acute onset with apparent involvement of the autonomic nervous system. The clinical features of autonomic involvement included fixed dilated pupils, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and anhidrosis. Electromyography showed evidence of peripheral neuropathy. Early treatment with corticosteroid and intravenous immunoglobulins resulted in improved prognosis of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
APN is a rare autonomic nervous system disorder, and understanding of the clinical features may help in early diagnosis and treatment of the patients.
Cui
Fang
F
Department of Neurology, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
Huang
Xu-sheng
XS
Zhou
Zhi-bin
ZB
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous