Category: Other
Objective: We describe a unique case of a patient with a constellation of movement and autonomic abnormalities. Serum paraneoplastic/autoimmune testing was positive for 3 separate antibodies: anti-alpha3 acetylcholine receptor, anti-recoverin, and borderline positive anti-CASPR2. Malignancy workup was negative, and patient experienced significant improvements with IVIG.
Background: Autoimmune and paraneoplastic antibodies contribute to a plethora of neurologic and movement disorder manifestations. Antibodies may occur in the presence or absence of malignancy and typically respond to immune-modulating treatment. Combinations of co-existent autoimmune antibodies have been described, but never in this combination to our knowledge.
Method: A 72 year-old male with a history of familial essential tremor (ET) presented to the clinic with reports of orthostatic hypotension, REM-behavior disorder, balance issues with falls, blurry vision, clumsiness, and intermittent fevers. Examination was notable for choreiform movements of the mouth and tongue, ataxic gait, ataxia on finger-to-nose, and known ET. Cognition was normal.
Results: Extensive workup with CT chest/abdomen/pelvis, PET scan, colonoscopy, and cystoscopy, was negative. MRI brain and lab workup for chorea and ataxia was unremarkable. Prostate biopsy demonstrated potential pre-cancerous cells. Autonomic function testing revealed orthostatic hypotension, dysfunction of adrenergic sympathetic cardiovascular function, and cholinergic parasympathetic cardiovagal function. Serum paraneoplastic panel was positive for anti-alpha3 acetylcholine receptor antibodies, anti-recoverin antibodies, and borderline positive anti-CASPR2 antibodies. Monthly IVIG infusions were initiated with marked improvement in symptoms, including mild improvement in ET.
Conclusion: This is a unique case of a cognitively-normal male with an overlap of neurological symptoms related to the presence of 3 autoimmune antibodies without clear evidence of malignancy. Anti-alpha3 acetylcholine receptor antibodies account for orthostatic hypotension and autonomic dysfunction, anti-CASPR2 antibodies account for orofacial choreiform movements, and anti-recoverin antibodies likely account for ataxia. This case highlights the importance of autoimmune/paraneoplastic investigation in the setting of multiple neurologic symptoms, as treatment can result in significant symptom improvement.
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To cite this abstract in AMA style:
YK. Kim, KC. Colletta. Triple threat: A rare case of a patient with 3 co-existent autoimmune antibodies causing autonomic and movement disorder [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2024; 39 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/triple-threat-a-rare-case-of-a-patient-with-3-co-existent-autoimmune-antibodies-causing-autonomic-and-movement-disorder/. Accessed October 12, 2024.« Back to 2024 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/triple-threat-a-rare-case-of-a-patient-with-3-co-existent-autoimmune-antibodies-causing-autonomic-and-movement-disorder/