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Nakane S, Koike H, Hayashi T, Nakatsuji Y. Autoimmune Autonomic Neuropathy: From Pathogenesis to Diagnosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2296. [PMID: 38396973 PMCID: PMC10889307 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) is a disease of autonomic failure caused by ganglionic acetylcholine receptor (gAChR) autoantibodies. Although the detection of autoantibodies is important for distinguishing the disease from other neuropathies that present with autonomic dysfunction, other factors are important for accurate diagnosis. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the clinical features of AAG, highlighting differences in clinical course, clinical presentation, and laboratory findings from other neuropathies presenting with autonomic symptoms. The first step in diagnosing AAG is careful history taking, which should reveal whether the mode of onset is acute or chronic, followed by an examination of the time course of disease progression, including the presentation of autonomic and extra-autonomic symptoms. AAG is a neuropathy that should be differentiated from other neuropathies when the patient presents with autonomic dysfunction. Immune-mediated neuropathies, such as acute autonomic sensory neuropathy, are sometimes difficult to differentiate, and therefore, differences in clinical and laboratory findings should be well understood. Other non-neuropathic conditions, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and long COVID, also present with symptoms similar to those of AAG. Although often challenging, efforts should be made to differentiate among the disease candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Nakane
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Haruki Koike
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Hayashi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yuji Nakatsuji
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Murakami K, Koh J, Takahashi M, Ito H. [Acute-onset autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy remarkably effective in intravenous high-dose immunoglobulin therapy]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2021; 61:687-691. [PMID: 34565756 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A 77-year-old woman developed acute onset of orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, and constipation. Neurological examination on admission showed severe orthostatic hypotension accompanied by syncope, mydriatic pupils, and attenuation of light reflexes with no abnormalities in other neurological systems. Autonomic testing revealed denervation hypersensitivity in norepinephrine (NE) intravenous infusion test and 0.125% pilocarpine instillation test, low NE in the serum, and decreased amount of sweating in quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test. These findings indicated dysfunction of postganglionic autonomic nerves. Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) was diagnosed due to the presence of anti-ganglionic acetylcholine receptors. The patient was given intravenous high-dose immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg), improving orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, and constipation. Previous reports indicated that the response to IVIg varied from case to case. Thus, this case suggests that IVIg is effective in acute-onset AAG cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jinsoo Koh
- Department of Neurology, Wakayama Medical University
| | | | - Hidefumi Ito
- Department of Neurology, Wakayama Medical University
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Yamakawa M, Watari M, Torii K, Kuki I, Miharu M, Kawazu M, Mukaino A, Higuchi O, Maeda Y, Ikeda T, Takamatsu K, Tawara N, Nakahara K, Matsuo H, Ueda M, Takahashi T, Nakane S. gAChR antibodies in children and adolescents with acquired autoimmune dysautonomia in Japan. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:790-799. [PMID: 33621398 PMCID: PMC8045944 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with acquired autonomic dysfunction may have antibodies specific to the ganglionic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (gAChR). However, the clinical features of children and adolescents with acquired autonomic dysfunction (AAD) remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the clinical features of pediatric patients with acquired autonomic dysfunction. METHODS This study retrospectively examined a series of patients of AAD with serum gAChR antibodies who were referred to our laboratory for antibody testing between January 2012 and April 2019. The study included 200 patients (<20 years, 20 cases; ≥20 years, 175 cases) with clinical features of AAD. RESULTS Upon comparing pediatric and adult patients, we found that antecedent infection and autonomic symptoms at onset with gastrointestinal symptoms occurred more frequently in children with AAD. We confirmed that four children (20.0%) met the diagnostic criteria for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). A significantly higher number of children than adults had POTS (P = 0.002). In addition, upper GI dysfunction was more prevalent in children than in adults (P = 0.042). In particular, nausea and vomiting occurred in 60.0% of children with AAD and in 21.1% of adults (P < 0.001). The frequency of paralytic ileus was significantly higher in children with AAD (20.0%) relative to adults (6.3%) (P = 0.030). Regarding extra-autonomic manifestations, encephalopathy was more frequent in children (15.0%) than in adults (1.1%) (P < 0.001). INTERPRETATION Pediatric AAD patients have their own clinical characteristics, and these features may be unique to children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Yamakawa
- Department of NeurologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Mari Watari
- Department of NeurologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Ken‐Ichi Torii
- Department of PediatricsTokyo Metropolitan Ohtsuka HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Ichiro Kuki
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyOsaka City General HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Masashi Miharu
- Department of PediatricsNational Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical CenterTokyoJapan
| | - Momoko Kawazu
- Department of PediatricsTokyo Metropolitan Ohtsuka HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Akihiro Mukaino
- Department of Molecular Neurology and TherapeuticsKumamoto University HospitalKumamotoJapan
| | - Osamu Higuchi
- Department of Clinical ResearchNational Hospital Organization Nagasaki Kawatana Medical CenterNagasakiJapan
- Department of NeuroimmunologyNagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesNagasakiJapan
| | - Yasuhiro Maeda
- Department of Clinical ResearchNational Hospital Organization Nagasaki Kawatana Medical CenterNagasakiJapan
- Department of NeuroimmunologyNagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesNagasakiJapan
- Department of NeurologyNational Hospital Organization Nagasaki Kawatana Medical CenterNagasakiJapan
| | - Tokunori Ikeda
- Department of Clinical Investigation (Biostatistics)Kumamoto University HospitalKumamotoJapan
| | - Koutaro Takamatsu
- Department of NeurologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Nozomu Tawara
- Department of NeurologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Keiichi Nakahara
- Department of NeurologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Hidenori Matsuo
- Department of Clinical ResearchNational Hospital Organization Nagasaki Kawatana Medical CenterNagasakiJapan
- Department of NeurologyNational Hospital Organization Nagasaki Kawatana Medical CenterNagasakiJapan
| | - Mitsuharu Ueda
- Department of NeurologyGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Takao Takahashi
- Department of PediatricsKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Shunya Nakane
- Department of Molecular Neurology and TherapeuticsKumamoto University HospitalKumamotoJapan
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Yamakawa M, Mukaino A, Kimura A, Nagasako Y, Kitazaki Y, Maeda Y, Higuchi O, Takamatsu K, Watari M, Yoshikura N, Ikawa M, Sugimoto I, Sakurai Y, Matsuo H, Ando Y, Shimohata T, Nakane S. Antibodies to the α3 subunit of the ganglionic-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in patients with autoimmune encephalitis. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 349:577399. [PMID: 32980672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Since autonomic dysfunction is closely associated with autoimmune encephalitis (AE), the objective of this study was to determine the autonomic symptoms and the prevalence of anti-α3 subunit of the ganglionic-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (gAChRα3) antibodies in the patients with AE. We reviewed the clinical features of 19 AE patients, and specifically analyzed sera for anti-gAChRα3 antibodies using the luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assay. Cardiovascular autonomic symptoms were found to be common in patients with AE, and hypersalivation was seen only in patients with NMDAR encephalitis. LIPS detected anti-gAChRα3 antibodies in the sera from patients with AE (5/29, 26%). This study is the first to demonstrate that clinical characteristics including autonomic symptoms of AE patients with seropositivity for gAChR autoantibodies. It will be important to verify the role of gAChR antibodies in autonomic dysfunction and brain symptoms to clarify the pathogenesis of AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Yamakawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Akihiro Mukaino
- Department of Molecular Neurology and Therapeutics, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Akio Kimura
- Department of Neurology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yuki Nagasako
- Department of Neurology, Mitsui Memorial Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Kitazaki
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Yasushi Maeda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Osamu Higuchi
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Koutaro Takamatsu
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mari Watari
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Yoshikura
- Department of Neurology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masamichi Ikawa
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Izumi Sugimoto
- Department of Neurology, Mitsui Memorial Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hidenori Matsuo
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yukio Ando
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Shimohata
- Department of Neurology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shunya Nakane
- Department of Molecular Neurology and Therapeutics, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan.
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Nakane S. [Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2019; 59:783-790. [PMID: 31761837 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) is an acquired immune-mediated disorder of widespread autonomic failure. Approximately half of the patients with AAG have the autoantibodies against the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in autonomic ganglia. These ganglionic AChR antibodies have the potential to mediate the synaptic transmission in sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric ganglia. Therefore, seropositive AAG patients exhibit various autonomic symptoms. Extra-autonomic manifestations (coexistence with brain involvement, sensory disturbance, endocrine disorders, autoimmune diseases and tumors) are present in many patients with AAG. The nicotinic AChRs comprise a family of abundantly expressed ligand-gated cation channels found throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Moreover, limited manifestations of autoimmune dysautonomia including autoimmune gastrointestinal dysmotility are newly recognized clinical entity. Although combined immunomodulatory therapy is beneficial for almost all patients with AAG, several case reports of some AAG patients with small benefit exist. This review focuses on the recent progress in the clinical approaches of AAG and its related disorders involving the role of autoantibodies and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Nakane
- Department of Molecular Neurology and Therapeutics, Kumamoto University Hospital
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Ohkubo Y, Mori A, Nakayama T, Chiba S, Nakane S. [A case of encephalopathy showing various psychiatric and autonomic symptoms with positive anti-ganglionic acetylcholine receptor (gAChR) antibody]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2019; 59:631-635. [PMID: 31564699 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
An 84-year-old woman developed spontaneous recurring mutism. During the periods in which she was able to speak, she described that she had a peculiar delusion where her body was melting away. She did not obey orders although she was able to move her limbs spontaneously. Severe fluctuations in blood pressure measurements were observed; they were unaffected by postural changes. She also had urinary retention and constipation. Her psychiatric and autonomic symptoms showed marked daily and diurnal fluctuations. The brain MRI showed no abnormality in the limbic system or temporal lobes. The cerebrospinal fluid showed slightly elevated protein with normal cells counts. This case was initially thought to be an encephalopathy of unknown etiology. On subsequent testings she was shown to have positive anti-ganglionic acetylcholine receptor (gAChR) antibodies. Although the initial steroid pulse and intravenous immunoglobulin therapies markedly improved both psychiatric and autonomic symptoms, they turned ineffective in subsequent recurrences. We were not able to treat her with plasmapheresis or with other immunisuppressive drugs because of her poor general status, thus their effectiveness could not be determined. Judging from her clinical course, in which immunotherapy was effective although somewhat limited, a possible involvement of an autoimmune mechanism was suspected; however, the exact pathogenesis remains undetermined. It is possible that in this case there may have been an involvement of the immune system and that the patient might have had an encephalopathy with anti-gAChR antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Ohkubo
- Department of Neurology, Sapporo Nishimaruyama Hospital
| | - Attila Mori
- Department of Neurology, Ibaraki Rehabilitation Hospital
| | | | - Susumu Chiba
- Department of Neurology, Sapporo Nishimaruyama Hospital
| | - Shunya Nakane
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Kumamoto University Hospital
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Golden EP, Vernino S. Autoimmune autonomic neuropathies and ganglionopathies: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic advances. Clin Auton Res 2019; 29:277-288. [DOI: 10.1007/s10286-019-00611-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Uenishi S, Takahashi S, Nakayama Y, Hiwatani Y, Nakane S, Tsuji T, Ukai S. A case of autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy with prolonged delirium. Asian J Psychiatr 2019; 39:8-9. [PMID: 30466057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) is a rare acquired immune-mediated disorder that leads to autonomic failure. It is sometimes complicated by mental and behavioral symptoms. We report a case of 72-year-old male with AAG who was admitted to the psychiatric department for prolonged severe delirium. Repeated loss of consciousness attributed to severe orthostatic hypotension disturbed recovery from delirium. In addition, intracerebral hemorrhage occurred during hospitalization, and this cerebrovascular event may have been substantially affected by unstable blood pressure due to AAG. This case suggests importance of differential diagnosis of AAG in patients with mental and behavioral symptoms accompanying severe autonomic failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Uenishi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Shun Takahashi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakayama
- Department of Neurology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Hiwatani
- Department of Neurology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Shunya Nakane
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tomikimi Tsuji
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ukai
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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Nakane S, Mukaino A, Higuchi O, Watari M, Maeda Y, Yamakawa M, Nakahara K, Takamatsu K, Matsuo H, Ando Y. Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy: an update on diagnosis and treatment. Expert Rev Neurother 2018; 18:953-965. [PMID: 30352532 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2018.1540304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) is an acquired immune-mediated disorder that leads to autonomic failure. The disorder is associated with autoantibodies to the ganglionic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (gAChR). We subsequently reported that AAG is associated with an overrepresentation of psychiatric symptoms, sensory disturbance, autoimmune diseases, and endocrine disorders. Area covered: The aim of this review was to describe AAG and highlight its pivotal pathophysiological aspects, clinical features, laboratory examinations, and therapeutic options. Expert commentary: AAG is a complex neuroimmunological disease, these days considered as an autonomic failure with extra-autonomic manifestations (and various limited forms). Further comprehension of the pathophysiology of this disease is required, especially the mechanisms of the extra-autonomic manifestations should be elucidated. There is the possibility that the co-presence of antibodies that were directed against the other subunits in both the central and peripheral nAChRs in the serum of the AAG patients. Some patients improve with immunotherapies such as IVIg and/or corticosteroid and/or plasma exchange. 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy may be a useful tool to monitor the therapeutic effects of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Nakane
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences , Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan.,b Department of Molecular Neurology and Therapeutics , Kumamoto University Hospital , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Akihiro Mukaino
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences , Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan.,b Department of Molecular Neurology and Therapeutics , Kumamoto University Hospital , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Osamu Higuchi
- c Department of Neurology and Clinical Research , Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center , Nagasaki , Japan
| | - Mari Watari
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences , Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Maeda
- c Department of Neurology and Clinical Research , Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center , Nagasaki , Japan
| | - Makoto Yamakawa
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences , Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Keiichi Nakahara
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences , Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Koutaro Takamatsu
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences , Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Hidenori Matsuo
- c Department of Neurology and Clinical Research , Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center , Nagasaki , Japan
| | - Yukio Ando
- a Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences , Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
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Ketterer B, Montanaro A, Hunter AJ. So Much More than Bald and Bloated. J Hosp Med 2018; 13:863-867. [PMID: 30255858 DOI: 10.12788/jhm.3083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Briana Ketterer
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Anthony Montanaro
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Alan J Hunter
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Cutsforth-Gregory JK, McKeon A, Coon EA, Sletten DM, Suarez M, Sandroni P, Singer W, Benarroch EE, Fealey RD, Low PA. Ganglionic Antibody Level as a Predictor of Severity of Autonomic Failure. Mayo Clin Proc 2018; 93:1440-1447. [PMID: 30170741 PMCID: PMC6173625 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess antibody level as a test of autonomic failure (AF) associated with ganglionic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab) autoimmunity. PATIENTS AND METHODS We searched the Mayo Clinic laboratory database of 926 ganglionic AChR-Ab-seropositive patients seen at our institution between October 1, 1997, and April 1, 2015, for initial level of 0.05 nmol/L or higher and contemporaneous autonomic reflex screen (standardized evaluation of adrenergic, cardiovagal, and sudomotor functions) from which Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale (CASS) scores could be calculated. RESULTS Of 289 patients who met inclusion criteria, 163 (56.4%) were women, median age was 54 years (range, 10-87 years), median antibody level was 0.11 nmol/L (range, 0.05-22.10 nmol/L), and median CASS total score was 2.0 (range, 0-10). Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a level above 0.40 nmol/L predicted severe AF (CASS score, ≥7) with 92% specificity and 56% sensitivity. For at least moderate AF (CASS score ≥4 and anhidrosis ≥25%), a level of at least 0.20 nmol/L had 80% specificity and 59% sensitivity. Levels below 0.20 nmol/L were not predictive of the presence or absence of AF. For predicting orthostatic hypotension, ganglionic AChR-Ab level had excellent specificity above 0.4 nmol/L but lacked sensitivity. Autoantibodies to additional targets were present in 61 patients (21.1%). CONCLUSION Ganglionic AChR-Ab level of at least 0.40 nmol/L is a moderately sensitive and highly specific marker for severe AF, as is a level of at least 0.20 nmol/L for moderate AF if CASS score is coupled with anhidrosis of 25% or more, among patients with suspected ganglionic AChR-Ab autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy. Antibody levels of less than 0.20 nmol/L have little clinical importance in the absence of clinical AF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew McKeon
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Phillip A Low
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
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Nakane S, Higuchi O, Koga M, Kanda T, Murata K, Suzuki T, Kurono H, Kunimoto M, Kaida KI, Mukaino A, Sakai W, Maeda Y, Matsuo H. Clinical features of autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy and the detection of subunit-specific autoantibodies to the ganglionic acetylcholine receptor in Japanese patients. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118312. [PMID: 25790156 PMCID: PMC4366081 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) is a rare acquired channelopathy that is characterized by pandysautonomia, in which autoantibodies to ganglionic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (gAChR) may play a central role. Radioimmunoprecipitation (RIP) assays have been used for the sensitive detection of autoantibodies to gAChR in the serum of patients with AAG. Here, we developed luciferase immunoprecipitation systems (LIPS) to diagnose AAG based on IgGs to both the α3 and β4 gAChR subunits in patient serum. We reviewed the serological and clinical data of 50 Japanese patients who were diagnosed with AAG. With the LIPS testing, we detected anti-α3 and -β4 gAChR antibodies in 48% (24/50) of the patients. A gradual mode of onset was more common in the seropositive group than in the seronegative group. Patients with AAG frequently have orthostatic hypotension and upper and lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms, with or without anti-gAChR. The occurrence of autonomic symptoms was not significantly different between the seropositive and seronegative group, with the exception of achalasia in three patients from the seropositive group. In addition, we found a significant overrepresentation of autoimmune diseases in the seropositive group and endocrinological abnormalities as an occasional complication of AAG. Our results demonstrated that the LIPS assay was a useful novel tool for detecting autoantibodies against gAChR in patients with AAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Nakane
- Department of Clinical Research, Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Nagasaki, Japan; Department of Neurology, Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Osamu Higuchi
- Department of Clinical Research, Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Michiaki Koga
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Takashi Kanda
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Kenya Murata
- Department of Neurology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Joetsu General Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiroko Kurono
- Department of Neurology, Saiseikai Kanagawa Prefecture Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masanari Kunimoto
- Department of Neurology, Saiseikai Kanagawa Prefecture Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ken-ichi Kaida
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akihiro Mukaino
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Neurology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Waka Sakai
- Department of Neurology, Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Maeda
- Department of Neurology, Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hidenori Matsuo
- Department of Neurology, Nagasaki Kawatana Medical Center, Nagasaki, Japan
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Traiter une toux, c’est simple…. Rev Med Interne 2013; 34:444-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2013.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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D'hoedt D, Bertrand D. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: an overview on drug discovery. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2009; 13:395-411. [DOI: 10.1517/14728220902841045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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