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BMC Neurology

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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Meningoencephalitis | Case Report

Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy associated with breast cancer: a case report

Authors: Tomonori Yaguchi, Akio Kimura, Akira Takekoshi, Mikiko Matsuo, Hiroyuki Tomita, Takayoshi Shimohata

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy (GFAP-A) is an autoimmune inflammatory central nervous system disorder characterized by the detection of autoantibodies that recognize GFAP in CSF. The pathogenesis of GFAP-A is poorly understood. Some patients had a neoplasm detected and GFAP expressed by neoplasms is plausible as immunogen triggering paraneoplastic neurological autoimmunity.

Case presentation

We report a case of 76-year-old female patient with GFAP-A complicated with breast cancer. She presented with altered consciousness, nuchal rigidity, speech disturbances, and weakness. Her clinical symptoms were improved by immunotherapy and cancer treatments. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the restricted tumor expressed GFAP. The infiltration of CD3 + T cells were observed in the peritumoral and intratumoral areas. The most common infiltrating lymphocytes were CD8 + T cells. CD4 + T cells and CD20 + B cells were also observed in the predominant peritumoral area.

Conclusions

These results suggest that GFAP-A may occur in a paraneoplastic neurological syndrome associated with breast cancer.

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Title: Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy associated with breast cancer: a case report
Authors: Tomonori Yaguchi
Akio Kimura
Akira Takekoshi
Mikiko Matsuo
Hiroyuki Tomita
Takayoshi Shimohata
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Meningoencephalitis
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Published in: BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-023-03194-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy associated with breast cancer: a case report

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

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