Lambert‐Eaton myasthenic syndrome with anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibody and anterior mediastinal tumor. (13th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matsumoto, Hideyuki; Ohtomo, Gaku; Akahori, Tsugumi; Hashida, Hideji
• Is Part Of: Journal of general and family medicine. Volume 18:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 282
• Page End: 284
• Publication Date: 2017-04-13
• Subjects: anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibody -- anti‐P/Q‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel antibody -- electrophysiological examination -- Lambert‐Eaton myasthenic syndrome -- myasthenia gravis -- small cell lung cancer; Primary care (Medicine) -- Periodicals; Family medicine -- Periodicals; Family Practice; Primary Health Care; Japan; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1002/jgf2.66
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2189-7948

Abstract

Abstract: This report describes the case of a 65‐year‐old male who complained of muscular weakness of the legs with easy fatigability. Blood and imaging examinations showed positive anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibody and an anterior mediastinal tumor (probably a thymic cyst), suggesting the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG). However, neurological and electrophysiological examinations suggested the diagnosis of Lambert‐Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). We searched repeatedly for malignant tumors. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) was found. Chemotherapy reduced the SCLC and improved the patient's clinical symptoms. On the basis of an accurate diagnosis of LEMS, we were able to detect SCLC and administer chemotherapy at an early stage. Anti‐P/Q‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel antibody was negative. In our case, MG and LEMS overlap syndrome in addition to MG should be differentiated. For the differentiation, the strict electrophysiological criteria of LEMS were useful.