[Atypical paraneoplastic myasthenic syndrome: Lambert-Eaton syndrome or myasthenia?]

Rev Pneumol Clin. 1999 Jun;55(3):168-70.
[Article in French]

Abstract

We report a case of paraneoplastic myasthenic syndrome with clinical features suggesting Lambert Eaton syndrome but without the electromyographic elements required for diagnosis. Anti-calcium channel antibodies were also lacking. The electromyogram evidenced a block and the Tensilon test was positive. The efficacy of anticholinesterases argued in favor of myasthenia but anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies were negative. The block was more of a mixed nature, involving both presynaptic transmission as in Lambert Eaton syndrome and post-synaptic transmission as in paraneoplastic myasthenia. The primary tumor was identified as a small-cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma on mediastinal biopsies obtained directly on CT-scan guided puncture of a mediastinal node. Thoracotomy was thus avoided. The Lambert Eaton syndrome is a paraneoplastic manifestation of small-cell lung cancer in 50% of the cases unlike generalized myasthenia which apparently is never associated with small-cell lung cancer. A mixed paraneoplastic neuro-muscle junction disorder with aspects of each can be exceptionally observed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Carboplatin / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / complications
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / radiotherapy
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Etoposide / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis*
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / diagnosis*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Etoposide
  • Carboplatin