Abstract:
Background Guillain–Barre syndrome is an acquired inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy that often follows
gastrointestinal infection. A review of available literature revealed only few cases where Guillain–Barre syndrome
developed after different types of meningitis. Furthermore, there are isolated cases of Guillain–Barre syndrome
combined with meningeal irritation. This is the first reported case of Guillain–Barre syndrome and bacterial meningitis
occurring simultaneously as complications of community-acquired pneumonia.
Case presentation We report the case of a 77-year-old Ukrainian male patient who presented to the hospital
with clinical symptoms of pneumonia. Over the next day, he developed clinical symptoms of acute symmetric
ascending flaccid tetraparesis. A few days later, synkinesis-like movements appeared in the paralyzed lower
limbs. Microbiological studies of the cerebrospinal fluid identified antibiotic-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The
patient received treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and combination antibacterial therapy. The patient
was discharged with improvement.
Conclusion In this case, a potentially life-threatening condition, such as bacterial meningitis, was asymptomatic
and clinically unrecognized. It is important to recognize atypical cases of Guillain–Barre syndrome to achieve early
diagnosis and treatment.
