Ocular flutter, generalized myoclonus, and trunk ataxia associated with anti-GQ1b antibodies.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a movement disorder characterized by ocular flutter, trunk ataxia, and mild generalized myoclonus associated with anti-GQ1b antibodies.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT: A 37-year-old woman presented with rapid, conjugated, and periodic oscillations of the eyes with a strict preponderance for the horizontal plane (ocular flutter); trunk ataxia; and occasional arrhythmic muscle jerks (myoclonus) most pronounced at the neck.

RESULTS

Brain magnetic resonance imaging results were normal. Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed mild lymphocytic pleocytosis. Results of extensive serological tests on viral, bacterial, and fungal infections from blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were unremarkable. Results of screening examinations for neoplasms and paraneoplastic antibodies, including whole-body fludeoxyglucose F18 positron emission tomography, were normal. Positive titers of IgG and IgM anti-GQ1b antibodies were found.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first description of an association between the clinical syndrome of ocular flutter, mild stimulus sensitive myoclonus, and trunk ataxia and anti-GQ1b antibodies. The association with ganglioside antibodies lends further support to the notion of an autoimmune-associated pathology of the syndrome.