Peripheral neuropathy due to neuroborreliosis: Insensitivity for CXCL13 as early diagnostic marker

Kristina Gubanova, Julia Lang, Juliane Latzko, Bianka Novotna, Julian Perneczky, Stefan Pingitzer, Petra Purer, Bianca Wuchty, Christoph Waiß, Johann Sellner

Research output: Journal article (peer-reviewed)Journal article

Abstract

The case of a 69-year-old woman with peripheral neuropathy caused by Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) in an endemic region in Eastern Austria is reported. The patient had noticed transient numbness of her left leg. On initial examination, she had patchy sensory disturbances of the left lower leg, but ancillary examinations of nerve conduction and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), including the B-cell chemokine CXCL13, were normal. A re-tap performed 54 days later, following clinical progression with foot drop, widespread lower leg paresthesia, and pain, revealed an increased cell count, autochthonous IgM production, synthesis of Borrelia-specific IgM, and elevated CXCL13. Neurophysiological examinations disclosed an incomplete conduction block, mixed axonal and demyelinating sensorimotor neuropathy, and subacute neurogenic damage of muscles innervated by the peroneal nerve. This case study presents rare evidence of very early diagnostic findings in peripheral neuropathy caused by LNB. These are characterized by insensitivity of CXCL13 in CSF to aid earlier diagnosis and the development of an intrathecal immune response against Borrelia at a later stage. These findings reinforce the need for a re-tap to confirm the diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment in this rare manifestation of LNB.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)460-462
Number of pages3
JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume105
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2021

Keywords

  • Aged
  • Austria
  • B-Lymphocytes/immunology
  • Biomarkers/cerebrospinal fluid
  • Borrelia/immunology
  • Chemokine CXCL13/cerebrospinal fluid
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lyme Neuroborreliosis/complications
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis

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