Upper airway manifestations of anti-IgLON5 disease: Otorhinolaryngological point of view

Introduction

Anti-IgLON5 disease is a recently described neurological disorder with multisystemic features. The disease is characterized by the presence of IgLON5 antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Our objective is to describe in detail the otorhinolaryngological manifestations of this disease, which are frequent and may include dysphagia, dysarthria, vocal cord paralysis and laryngospasm.

Methods

In this study, we present a series of 9 patients with anti-IgLON5 disease and otolaryngological manifestations. Patients were evaluated between July 2012 and March 2022 by video-polysomnography, fiber-optic laryngoscopy, and functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

Results

The median age was 71 years, and 5 (56%) were female. Video-polysomnography showed a NREM/REM parasomnia in 6 patients (67%), obstructive sleep apnea in 8 (88%), stridor during sleep in 7 (78%) and central apneas in 1 (11%). Six out of the 9 patients (67%) presented episodes of acute respiratory failure that required mechanical ventilation, 6 had vocal fold palsy with 4 of them requiring tracheostomy (3 had to be performed on an emergency basis). Dysphagia occurred in 8 patients (89%). Prominent upper airway secretion and sialorrhea was also present in 3 cases.

Conclusion

The anti-IgLON5 disease exhibits extensive otolaryngological symptoms, mainly affecting the upper airway. These symptoms affect the quality of life and can be life-threatening. Prompt acute management is essential for stridor, dyspnea, and dysphagia. Given the potential severity of the symptoms and rarity of the disease, it is important for otolaryngologists to be familiar with anti-IgLON5 disease.

Level of evidence

Level 4.