Antiphospholipid antibody, head-shaking and ataxia: An evidence of non-vascular neurotoxicity and successful treatment by plasmapheresis

Wei Hsi Chen*, Chung Jen Chen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although antiphospholipid antibodies (APAbs) are considered to possess neurotoxic property, their relation with non-vascular neurological disorder is still disputed. This dilemma is mainly due to only a cross-sectional analysis or sporadic pictorial description in previous reports. In addition, treatment strategy is unknown in this situation. We encountered a patient who exhibited head-shaking and cerebellar ataxia had an increase of blood anti-beta2- glycoprotein I antibody and anticardiolipin antibody. Her neurological deficits did not respond to corticosteroid pulse therapy but rapidly subsided after plasmapheresis associated with a normalization of APAbs. Accordingly, a causal relation between APAbs and non-vascular neurological disorder is favored. The pathogenesis of APAb-related non-vascular neurotoxicity is warranted for further study to avoid premature conclusion. Plasmapheresis is recommended when movement disorder responds poorly to conventional treatment, especially when APAb is found.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)827-829
Number of pages3
JournalRheumatology International
Volume29
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 05 2009

Keywords

  • Anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibody
  • Antiphospholipid antibody
  • Ataxia
  • Cerebellum
  • Head-shaking
  • Neurological disorder
  • Neurotoxicity
  • Vascular

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Antiphospholipid antibody, head-shaking and ataxia: An evidence of non-vascular neurotoxicity and successful treatment by plasmapheresis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this