[Acute respiratory failure as the presentation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Apropos a case].
We report the case of a 61-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis presenting with respiratory failure requiring long-term mechanical ventilation. Diagnostic difficulties are discussed along with the circumstances that give rise to suspicion of neuromuscular disease in a context of respiratory failure of unknown cause. The patient is at present in stable condition after 6 months of domiciliary mechanical ventilation. The treatment options in such cases and their indications are discussed.
Sección de Neumología, Hospital Punta de Europa, Algeciras.
J
J
Hernández Borge
L
L
García González
J A
JA
Martín Arroyo Caballero
A
A
Ruiz Avalos
D000208:Acute Disease; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D006935:Hypercapnia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology