Lambert-Eaton myaesthenic syndrome: a possible association with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is a presynaptic neuromuscular junction disorder typically associated with small cell lung carcinoma. The characterstic electrophysiological abnormality is a low amplitude compound muscle action potential that shows a marked increment after maximal voluntary contraction or brief tetanic nerve stimulation. We describe a patient who had LEMS in association with Hodgkin's disease. A 61 year old woman presented with proximal muscle weakness 6 years following successful treatment of Hodgkin's disease. Her symptoms responded well to treatment with diaminopyridine. 9 additional patients have been described with LEMS in association with lymphoproliferative diseases. A systemic malignancy is usually found within 2 years of LEMS diagnosis but may present later. LEMS should be considered in patients with Hodgkin's disease presenting with muscle weakness.
Tyagi
A
A
Department of Neurology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland. atyagi@gofree.indigo.ie
Connolly
S
S
Hutchinson
M
M
D005260:Female; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D015624:Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged