2015 Volume 54 Issue 12 Pages 1543-1546
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is usually triggered by viral or bacterial infection. In addition, it was recently reported that infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) also causes GBS. A 49-year-old man presented with acute-onset paralysis in all extremities and dysgeusia during an episode of acute hepatitis. Serological tests showed the presence of anti-HEV IgM antibodies and HEV-RNA in the serum. As an electrophysiological examination showed acute demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, the patient was diagnosed as HEV-associated GBS. Following the initiation of treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, his paralysis and dysgeusia rapidly improved. This case suggests that HEV-associated GBS may rarely be complicated by dysgeusia.
