Pediatric glial fibrillary acidic protein meningoencephalomyelitis: A case report and review of the literature

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2019 Apr:29:148-152. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.12.008. Epub 2018 Dec 7.

Abstract

A novel autoantibody, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-IgG, has recently been associated with cases of meningoencephalomyelitis. This entity is still being unraveled. Very few pediatric patients have been identified; thus, the clinical, biological and imaging phenotype remains to be defined. Herein we describe the clinical course of a 6-year-old patient initially suspected to have a demyelinating disease but ultimately diagnosed with GFAP-IgG positive autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis. We also provide a review of the literature regarding this novel entity.

Keywords: Case report; GFAP; Glial fibrillary acidic protein; Meningoencephalomyelitis; Pediatric.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / diagnosis*
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / pathology
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Meningoencephalitis / diagnosis*
  • Meningoencephalitis / immunology
  • Meningoencephalitis / pathology
  • Meningoencephalitis / physiopathology

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • GFAP protein, human
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein