Abstract
Background
Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) are rare disorders affecting any part of the central, peripheral or autonomic nervous system that occur in association with cancer. Among cancer patients, less than 1% overall develop PNS. Anti- SOX1 antibodies positive paraneoplastic neurological disorders are rare and most often associated with small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Case presentation
Herein, we report a case of a 61-year-old male presented with an unusual anti- SOX1 positive PNS. Electrodiagnostic study showed notable low amplitude motor potentials and high amplitude motor potentials of the right tibialis anterior suggesting the presence of Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Typical MRI and PET-CT found a hyperintense lesion with contrast enhancement in the thorax in front of 5-6 centrum of vertebrae, and thoracoscopic biopsy revealed pathological findings for SCLC. Because the diagnosis was made in time, the patient is currently receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the cancer at Chinese PLA General Hospital, and the clinical symptoms improved obviously.
Conclusions
The comprehensive screening of onconeural antibodies in PNS-suspicious cases combined with early diagnosis and treatment of tumor are important for achieving a good outcome.