GFAP Astrocytopathy Leading to Charles Bonnet Syndrome: A Case Report
Stella Iskandarian1, Mohana Biswas1, Swanny Shi1, Elizabeth Verter1
1Montefiore Medical Center
Objective:
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) autoimmune astrocytopathy has been associated with optic perineuritis and papillitis, typically with normal intracranial pressure and visual sparing. We describe a case of multiphasic GFAP astrocytopathy marked by severe visual loss and elevated intracranial pressure (EICP) requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS), with later emergence of Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS).
Background:
N/A
Design/Methods:
N/A
Results:

A 46-year-old woman presented with subacute onset of vertigo, tremors, paresthesias, mental status changes, and visual disturbances. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed radial perivascular enhancement, optic perineuritis, and signs of EICP including globe flattening and optic disc protrusion. Spinal fluid was significant for EICP, hyperproteinorrachia, lymphocytic predominant pleocytosis, and positive GFAP antibodies (1:4098). Neuropsychiatric symptoms improved with IVIG and pulse steroids followed by taper, though she had several relapses early in her course due to insufficient steroid dosing.

Despite overall mental status improvement, she experienced well-formed visual hallucinations with maintained insight that these images were not real. Her vision progressively worsened to essentially absent visual fields bilaterally, despite acetazolamide treatment. Repeat MRI redemonstrated optic perineuritis and EICP findings, but resolution of perivascular enhancement. VPS was performed after vision improvement with lumbar drain. She underwent plasma exchange and transitioned to monthly cyclophosphamide infusions. Her bilateral superior visual fields improved after 6 months of cyclophosphamide and steroid taper; however, she had persistent, non-disturbing visual hallucinations of cartoon characters. Given the absence of other neuropsychiatric features or electroencephalogram correlate, her hallucinations were attributed to CBS.  


Conclusions:
This case of GFAP astrocytopathy is atypical in its associated EICP, severe visual sequelae, and development of subsequent CBS. Clinicians should maintain high suspicion for GFAP astrocytopathy in those with classic imaging findings to ensure timely, aggressive management. Early immunotherapy with prolonged steroid taper may prevent irreversible deficits.
10.1212/WNL.0000000000212868
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