Autoimmune Voltage-Gated Potassium Channelopathy Presenting With Catecholamine Excess

Pediatric Neurology
K Amy SteppLeah Mallory

Abstract

Autoimmune voltage-gated potassium channelopathies have been associated with a range of neurological presenting symptoms, including central, peripheral, and autonomic dysfunction. We describe a 12-year-old boy who presented with nine months of pain, anxiety, and 30-pound weight loss. He was admitted for failure to thrive, then noted to be persistently hypertensive and tachycardic. Plasma metanephrines and urine metanephrines and catecholamines were elevated. Extensive investigation for causes of elevated catecholamines, such as hyperthyroidism or catecholamine-secreting tumor, was negative. A paraneoplastic panel was positive for voltage-gated potassium channel antibodies. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and pulse methylprednisolone led to complete resolution of symptoms, weight gain, and normalization of vital signs and plasma metanephrines. Voltage-gated potassium channel antibodies should be considered as part of the differential in patients presenting with elevated metanephrine and catecholamine secretion.

Citations


❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur as a result of an attack by the immune system on the body’s own tissues resulting in damage and dysfunction. There are different types of autoimmune diseases, in which there is a complex and unknown interaction between genetics and the environment. Discover the latest research on autoimmune diseases here.

Related Papers

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
Henning OlbergChristian A Vedeler
Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine
Misako KuniiYoshiyuki Kuroiwa
Muscle & Nerve
Lydia Sharp, Steven Vernino
© 2022 Meta ULC. All rights reserved