Severe lumbar spinal stenosis combined with Guillain-Barré syndrome: A case report

Core Tip

Core Tip: A 70-year-old man with a history of lumbar spinal stenosis presented to our emergency department because of severe lower back pain and lower extremity numbness. On the physical examination, he had 4/5 of strength in both legs and decreased sensation below the knees. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated lumbar spinal stenosis (L4/5). Based on these findings, he was diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis. After conservative treatment failed, he underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. However, his symptoms worsened postoperatively and dysphagia appeared. An electromyogram was performed. Finally, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. After 5 d of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, he gained 4/5 of strength in his upper and lower extremities and denied paraesthesias. This case demonstrates that Guillain-Barré syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal disorder and highlights the importance of a careful diagnosis when a patient has a history of a disease and comes to the hospital with the same or similar symptoms.