Paraneoplastic syndrome with intestinal pseudo-obstruction in a patient with small cell lung carcinoma: a case report and literature review

J Int Med Res. 2025 Jan;53(1):3000605241245868. doi: 10.1177/03000605241245868.

Abstract

Paraneoplastic chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare manifestation associated with small cell lung carcinoma and other malignancies. In this report, we present a challenging case involving a 60-year-old man with small cell lung carcinoma who developed symptoms of intestinal pseudo-obstruction, including abdominal distention, pain, and obstipation. Despite receiving extensive treatment with intravenous gamma globulin and glucocorticoids, the patient's symptoms did not improve, ultimately resulting in irreversible nervous system damage. Through a comprehensive literature review, we explore the underlying mechanisms of paraneoplastic CIPO and discuss its diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We emphasize the significance of timely detection of related antibodies for early diagnosis and treatment of CIPO to improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: Paraneoplastic neurological syndrome; case report; chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction; glucocorticoid therapy; literature review.; small cell lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction* / complications
  • Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction* / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction* / etiology
  • Lung Neoplasms* / complications
  • Lung Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes* / diagnosis
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma* / complications
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma* / diagnosis