[Paraneoplastic opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome associated with small-cell lung cancer]
J Margery1, J-P Ferroir, C Epaud
1Unité Fonctionnelle d'Oncologie Pulmonaire, Service de Pneumologie (Pr C. Mayaud), Hôpital Tenon, 4, rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris. j.margery@wanadoo.fr
Abstract:
Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome was observed in a patient treated for small-cell lung cancer. Opsoclonus presented as anarchic involuntary eye movements associated with myoclonies of the limbs and trunk. Opsoclonus-myoclonus is exceptional and a specific expression among several paraneoplastic manifestations described in small-cell lung cancer. These manifestations develop late after diagnosis of cancer. Presence of anti-neuronal antibodies in the serum (inconstant) is a factor of very poor prognosis.
Insights
Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, was observed in a patient with small-cell lung cancer. This condition involves involuntary eye and limb movements, indicating a poor prognosis, especially with anti-neuronal antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) can present with various paraneoplastic neurological manifestations.
- Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is an uncommon but specific neurological paraneoplastic expression.
- These paraneoplastic syndromes often manifest late in the course of SCLC.
Observation:
- A case of OMS was identified in a patient undergoing treatment for SCLC.
- The patient exhibited anarchic, involuntary eye movements (opsoclonus) and limb/trunk myoclonus.
- This presentation highlights a rare neurological complication associated with SCLC.
Findings:
- The occurrence of OMS in SCLC is exceptional, underscoring its specificity as a paraneoplastic syndrome.
- The presence of anti-neuronal antibodies in serum, though inconstant, is associated with a very poor prognosis.
- Late-onset neurological manifestations like OMS require careful evaluation in SCLC patients.
Implications:
- Early recognition of OMS in SCLC patients is crucial for timely intervention and management.
- The association with anti-neuronal antibodies suggests an autoimmune component and portends a grave outcome.
- Further research into the mechanisms and prognostic markers of paraneoplastic OMS in SCLC is warranted.