A Case of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome with Positive VGCC Antibodies Diagnosed in Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Kim, So Young; Oh, Hyo Jeong; Hwang, Ki Eun; Jung, Jong Hoon; Kim, Hak Ryul; Yang, Sei Hoon; Cho, Kwang Ho; Jeong, Eun Taik

doi:2005.59.4.427

Tuberc Respir Dis > Volume 59(4); 2005 > Article

Case Report

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2005;59(4):427-431.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2005.59.4.427 Published online October 1, 2005.

A Case of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome with Positive VGCC Antibodies Diagnosed in Small Cell Lung Cancer.

So Young Kim, Hyo Jeong Oh, Ki Eun Hwang, Jong Hoon Jung, Hak Ryul Kim, Sei Hoon Yang, Kwang Ho Cho, Eun Taik Jeong

¹Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea. kshryj@wonkwang.ac.kr
²Department of Neurology, College of Medicine Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea.

Abstract

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), a rare autoimmune neurological syndrome, is caused by defects in the secretion of acetylcholine from the presynaptic membrane, and is associated with the destruction of voltage gated calcium channels (VGCC) in the neuromuscular junction. LEMS can be confirmed by repetitive nerve stimulation and by the clinical symptoms, which are characterized by proximal muscle weakness in the lower extremities, decreased deep tendon reflexes and autonomic dysfunctions. In about 60% of patients with this disorder, underlying cancer-small cell lung cancer may be detected. Clinical symptoms may precede the diagnosis of malignancy, with the early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying malignancy being possible through the diagnosis of LEMS. A case of LEMS, with positive VGCC antibodies, in a 48-year-old man, which improved after chemotherapy of the underlying small cell lung cancer, is reported.

Key Words: Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, Small cell lung cancer