Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy Presenting as Constipation

Authors

Abdelwahab Ahmed
Shannon Lohman
Suraj Suresh, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Abdullah Naji
Sarah Russell, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Eva Alsheik, Henry Ford HealthFollow
Keith Mullins, Henry Ford HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Ahmed A, Lohman S, Suresh S, Naji A, Russell S, Alsheik E, and Mullins K. Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy Presenting as Constipation. Cureus 2022; 14(2):e22108.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2022

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) is a rare post-ganglionic disorder that causes a range of symptoms, often including gastrointestinal disorders. Patients may be seropositive or seronegative for antibodies against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Here, we describe the case of a 56-year-old woman with a previous diagnosis of sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy who presented with severe constipation that was not responsive to laxative therapy. The evaluation showed diffuse colonic hypomotility, rectal hypersensitivity, and type IV pelvic floor dysfunction. The patient was diagnosed 10 months after the presentation as having seronegative AAG, and she responded well to treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone and apheresis.

PubMed ID

35308659

Volume

14

Issue

2

First Page

22108

Last Page

22108