POST-DIPHTHERITIC POLYNEURITIS: A REPORT OF FIVE CASES WITH ALBUMINOCYTOLOGIC DISSOCIATION SIMULATING GUILLAIN-BARRÉ'S SYNDROME

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Abstract
A study of 5 patients with post-diphtheritic polyneuritis shows the striking similarity in history, physical findings, and spinal fluid findings between this group and those reported with the Guillain-Barre''s syndrome. Since the latter designation has assumed the importance of a real disease entity, it is worthwhile to point out that many such cases are in reality polyneuritis resulting from unrecognized diphtheria. The spinal fluid albuminocytologic dissociation considered paramount in making a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre''s syndrome is likewise found in post-diphtheritic polyneuritis. One of the cases studied illustrates the lack of general familiarity with the frequency of cutaneous diphtheria, at the same time indicating the ease with which this infection can proceed undetected until bizarre neurologic signs develop.