Thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis and LGI1-encephalitis, with nephrotic syndrome post-thymectomy

J Neuroimmunol. 2018 Apr 15:317:100-102. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2018.01.011. Epub 2018 Feb 1.

Abstract

Thymoma is associated with a wide spectrum of autoimmune paraneoplastic syndromes, though it is uncommon for multiple paraneoplastic syndromes to be present in a single individual. We report a rare case of an elderly gentleman who was found to have thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis and LGI1-encephalitis with myokymia, who presented with nephrotic syndrome (minimal change glomerulopathy) after thymectomy. The latter two paraneoplastic syndromes had manifested when prednisolone was tapered down to low dose. This case serves to remind neurologists that apart from paraneoplastic neurological manifestations, thymoma may also be associated with renal disease. Nephropathy in myasthenia patients with thymoma should be properly evaluated, as it is treatable with immunotherapy, and it may even occur post-thymectomy.

Keywords: LGI1 encephalitis; Myasthenia; Myokymia; Paraneoplastic syndrome; Thymoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Encephalitis / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Male
  • Myasthenia Gravis / etiology*
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / etiology*
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / etiology*
  • Proteins / immunology
  • Thymectomy
  • Thymoma / complications*
  • Thymoma / surgery
  • Thymus Neoplasms / complications*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / surgery

Substances

  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • LGI1 protein, human
  • Proteins