Guillain-Barré Syndrome Presenting With New-Onset Heart Failure.

Abstract

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute immune-mediated polyneuropathy that can involve the autonomic nervous system, leading to hemodynamic instability. While transient arrhythmias are typically observed, the occurrence of acute heart failure (AHF) within the GBS spectrum is exceedingly rare. We report the case of a previously healthy 61-year-old Caribbean South-Asian male who developed intractable left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) and cardiogenic shock (CS) after returning from a one-month vacation in Canada, from which he ultimately succumbed despite aggressive guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Notably, the patient's younger brother predeceased him (25 years) from a suspected GBS-related complication, while his niece also survived a protracted GBS-hospitalization when she was very young (4 years). This case highlights that acute cardiomyopathy (CMP) may be a rare but catastrophic sequela of GBS, underscoring the importance of early recognition and intensive supportive care. The robust familial link also suggests a potential genetic susceptibility to GBS, warranting heightened vigilance and further research.