Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy: treatment by plasma exchanges and rituximab

Clin Auton Res. 2009 Aug;19(4):259-62. doi: 10.1007/s10286-009-0012-7. Epub 2009 Apr 28.

Abstract

This case report describes successful treatment of autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) in a 74-year-old woman by total plasma exchanges (PLEX) and rituximab. Two series of PLEX temporarily, but dramatically improved orthostatic intolerance and hypotension and baroreflex function, in a manner inversely related to ganglionic neuronal nicotinic receptor antibody titer. After rituximab treatment, the antibody titer was decreased modestly but persistently, and the patient had symptomatic and clinical laboratory evidence of continued benefit for at least 10 months, supporting the autoimmune pathogenesis of AAG.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / therapy*
  • Baroreflex / physiology
  • Female
  • Ganglia, Autonomic / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Plasma Exchange*
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / immunology
  • Rituximab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Autoantibodies
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Receptors, Nicotinic
  • Rituximab