Guillain-Barré syndrome involving reproductive system revealed on 18F-FDG PET/CT: a case report - Report - MDSpire

Guillain-Barré syndrome involving reproductive system revealed on 18F-FDG PET/CT: a case report

  • By

  • Huiling Li

  • Xinzhong Hao

  • Zhifang Wu

  • Sijin Li

  • Li Li

  • June 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Case Study of Guillain-Barré Syndrome with Reproductive System Involvement

Overview

This report details a rare case of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in a 67-year-old man, where 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging revealed significant inflammatory involvement of the reproductive system. The findings highlight the utility of advanced imaging techniques in identifying atypical manifestations of GBS.

Background

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute inflammatory neuropathy that can lead to severe neurological deficits and respiratory failure. While peripheral nerve involvement is common, central nervous system and reproductive system involvement is rare, making this case particularly noteworthy. Understanding these atypical presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Data Highlights

Imaging FindingsDescription
18F-FDG PET/CTDemonstrated multifocal hypermetabolism along nerve roots, cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, and medulla oblongata.
Right TestisSignificant inflammatory involvement identified.
Right ProstateIncreased FDG uptake indicating inflammation.
HistopathologyRevealed inflammatory infiltration with mixed T-cell and B-cell presence.

Key Findings

  • Guillain-Barré syndrome can present with atypical manifestations, including reproductive system involvement.
  • 18F-FDG PET/CT is effective in assessing systemic inflammatory activity in GBS.
  • The case involved significant hypermetabolism in the right testis and prostate.
  • Histopathological examination confirmed orchitis with a mixed inflammatory infiltrate.
  • Standard treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin led to significant symptom improvement.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider the possibility of atypical presentations of GBS, including reproductive system involvement, especially in patients with unexplained systemic inflammatory responses. Advanced imaging techniques like 18F-FDG PET/CT can aid in the comprehensive assessment of such cases.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of recognizing rare manifestations of Guillain-Barré syndrome and the role of advanced imaging in guiding diagnosis and treatment.

Related Resources & Content

  1. European Academy of Neurology/Peripheral Nerve Society, PubMed, 2023 -- Guideline on diagnosis and treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome
  2. Frontiers, 2026 -- Guillain-Barré syndrome involving reproductive system revealed on 18F-FDG PET/CT: a case report
  3. European Radiology — Evaluating the Diagnostic Efficacy of [68Ga]DOTATATE PET/CT, [18F]FDG PET/CT, Spinal MRI, and Comprehensive CT and MRI for Identifying Spinal Bone Metastases in Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Patients
  4. Blood Cancer Journal — Association of Glucose Metabolism in Brain and Liver with Disease Progression in Multiple Myeloma
  5. Imaging Findings Indicating Pectoral Nerve Involvement in Perineural Metastasis of Breast Cancer to the Brachial Plexus
  6. Frontiers in Immunology — Relapsing Guillain–Barré syndrome associated with Graves’ disease and papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case report and literature review
  7. Study Results | NCT04752566 | A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Eculizumab in Guillain-Barré Syndrome
  8. European Academy of Neurology/Peripheral Nerve Society Guideline on diagnosis and treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome - PubMed
  9. Frontiers | Guillain-Barré syndrome involving reproductive system revealed on 18F-FDG PET/CT: a case report

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