Asymptomatic lambert–eaton syndrome. Issue 5 (8th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Denys, Eric H.; Lennon, Vanda A.
• Is Part Of: Muscle & nerve. Volume 49:Issue 5(2014:May)
• Page Start: 764
• Page End: 767
• Publication Date: 2014-04-08
• Subjects: Neuromuscular diseases -- Periodicals; Muscles -- Periodicals; Nerves -- Periodicals; 616.74
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.24126
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-639X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <sec id="mus24126-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Introduction</title> <p>All descriptions of the Lambert–Eaton syndrome are based on symptomatic patients. We incidentally encountered electromyographic evidence of this syndrome in a patient being studied for another reason. The patient had controlled hypothyroidism and smoked for 9 pack‐years but never had symptoms of weakness or had evidence of cancer. <italic>Methods</italic>: Detailed electrophysiological and serological evaluations were undertaken in this study. <italic>Results</italic>: Neuromuscular transmission tests were consistent with a presynaptic disorder. Autoantibodies specific for P/Q‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCC) were detected in the serum and persisted throughout 7 years of follow‐up. Multiple IgG markers of thyrogastric autoimmunity also were detected. <italic>Conclusions</italic>: This demonstration of asymptomatic Lambert–Eaton syndrome persisting for 8 years provided novel insight into the natural history of the disorder. It is plausible that patients with a subclinical syndrome would have abrupt neuromuscular decompensation when challenged with medications that compromise the safety factor for synaptic transmission. <italic>Muscle Nerve</italic><bold>49</bold>: 764–767, 2014</p> </sec> </abstract>