scholarly journals Paraneoplastic sensorimotor neuropathy and ventral cauda equina nerve root enhancement as initial presentation of small cell lung carcinoma: a case study

BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meshari Alsaeed ◽  
Chloe A. R. Lim ◽  
Alyson Plecash ◽  
Tychicus Chen

Abstract Background Paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes (PNS) are rare, however, are important to recognize as oftentimes they precede the detection of an occult malignancy. Our case highlights a rare circumstance of paraneoplastic radiculoneuropathy and the importance of recognizing PNS in antibody negative disease, as is the case in up to 16% of sensory neuronopathies, and the process of excluding other etiologies. Case presentation We discuss a 51-year-old man who presented with asymmetric subacute sensorimotor deficits in the lower limbs. Initial clinical examination showed weakness throughout the right lower limb and normal strength on the left with objective numbness in a mixed dermatomal and stocking-glove distribution. Electrophysiology was consistent with axonal sensorimotor neuropathy. Cerebrospinal fluid showed pleocytosis and elevated protein. Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment was given with some improvement in pain symptoms but no measurable motor improvement. Following clinical and electrophysiologic deterioration the patient was transferred to a tertiary centre. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine showed smooth enhancement of the ventral caudal nerve roots. Chest computed tomography revealed left lower vascular scarring. Further positron emission tomography scan imaging identified fluorodeoxyglucose avid right lung lymphadenopathy. Bronchoscopy-guided biopsy revealed small cell lung carcinoma. Onconeural and antiganglioside antibodies were negative. The patient was then transferred to a medical oncology ward where he underwent chemoradiotherapy and subsequently experienced improvement in his motor function, supporting that his neurological condition was indeed secondary to a paraneoplastic process. Conclusions Onconeural negative paraneoplastic radiculoneuropathy can precede diagnosis of small cell lung carcinoma. If considered early and adequately investigated, it can allow earlier diagnosis and treatment of underlying malignancy, improving overall and neurological prognosis.

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 (dec03 1) ◽  
pp. bcr0120091486-bcr0120091486 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Mawhinney ◽  
O. M. Gray ◽  
F. McVerry ◽  
G. V. McDonnell

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duygu Unalmış ◽  
Zehra Yasar ◽  
Melih Buyuksirin ◽  
Gulru Polat ◽  
Fatma Demirci Ucsular ◽  
...  

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 247-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Sheehan ◽  
Douglas Kondziolka ◽  
John Flickinger ◽  
L. Dade Lunsford

Object. Lung carcinoma is the leading cause of death from cancer. More than 50% of those with small cell lung cancer develop a brain metastasis. Corticosteroid agents, radiotherapy, and resection have been the mainstays of treatment. Nonetheless, median survival for patients with small cell lung carcinoma metastasis is approximately 4 to 5 months after cranial irradiation. In this study the authors examine the efficacy of gamma knife surgery for treating recurrent small cell lung carcinoma metastases to the brain following tumor growth in patients who have previously undergone radiation therapy, and they evaluate factors affecting survival. Methods. A retrospective review of 27 patients (47 recurrent small cell lung cancer brain metastases) undergoing radiosurgery was performed. Clinical and radiographic data obtained during a 14-year treatment period were collected. Multivariate analysis was utilized to determine significant prognostic factors influencing survival. The overall median survival was 18 months after the diagnosis of brain metastases. In multivariate analysis, factors significantly affecting survival included: 1) tumor volume (p = 0.0042); 2) preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale score (p = 0.0035); and 3) time between initial lung cancer diagnosis and development of brain metastasis (p = 0.0127). Postradiosurgical imaging of the brain metastases revealed that 62% decreased, 19% remained stable, and 19% eventually increased in size. One patient later underwent a craniotomy and tumor resection for a tumor refractory to radiosurgery and radiation therapy. In three patients new brain metastases were demonstrating on follow-up imaging. Conclusions. Stereotactic radiosurgery for recurrent small cell lung carcinoma metastases provided effective local tumor control in the majority of patients. Early detection of brain metastases, aggressive treatment of systemic disease, and a therapeutic strategy including radiosurgery can extend survival.


Impact ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (8) ◽  
pp. 56-58
Author(s):  
Motoi Ohba

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent and lethal forms of the disease accounting for almost 20 per cent of all deaths from cancer. It is therefore the leading cause of cancer death in men and second most fatal in women. There are between 1.5 and 2 million new cases of cancer globally every year. A similar number die from the disease annually. There are two forms of lung cancer – small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). SCLC is the more aggressive form being faster growing and more metastatic, however it also responds more effectively to treatments such as chemotherapy. NSCLC is the more common form of the disease, accounting for 85 per cent of cases. They develop more slowly than SCLCs, however they are largely unresponsive to chemotherapy and require precise surgical removal. Both present a huge medical problem in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Due to its far higher prevalence, NSCLC is the most studied of the two forms. A chemotherapeutic treatment has been developed that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is majorly upregulated in most cases and plays a key role in the tumour's growth and survival. The treatment blocks the receptor and is usually very effective in the first instances. However, it is typically unable to clear the cancer as a single nucleotide mutation is capable of rendering the inhibitor unable to act on the receptor. Therefore, the cancer returns and continues to develop. New treatments are also required. This is the work of Dr Motoi Ohba of the Advanced Cancer Translational Research Institute, Showa University, Japan. His work is aimed at both uncovering novel targets for cancer treatment and finding and developing molecules that could effectively manipulate these targets.


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