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Bibrachial palsy due to paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis
K J Meador1, B Richards, S Hunter
1Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville.
Southern Medical Journal
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Bibrachial palsy, a rare muscular weakness, can lead to respiratory failure. This case links it to encephalomyelitis and an undetected cancer, suggesting an autoimmune cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Bibrachial palsy is an uncommon neuromuscular disorder characterized by symmetrical weakness in both arms.
- Understanding its etiology is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- A case study of a woman with progressive bibrachial palsy and respiratory failure is presented.
- She exhibited normal neurological function in her lower extremities.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed encephalomyelitis and an undiagnosed small oat cell carcinoma.
- Pathological findings suggest an autoimmune process triggered by the malignancy.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential paraneoplastic autoimmune syndrome associated with oat cell carcinoma.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking cancer, autoimmunity, and bibrachial palsy.