Autonomic dysfunction and Eaton Lambert syndrome.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Autonomic Neuroscience

Background:

• Eaton Lambert syndrome (an autoimmune disorder) can manifest with autonomic dysfunction.
• Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is a known paraneoplastic cause of Eaton Lambert syndrome.

Observation:

• A patient with oat cell carcinoma of the lung presented with symptoms of autonomic dysfunction.
• Extensive postganglionic adrenergic and cholinergic deficits were observed, indicating autonomic neuropathy.

Findings:

• The patient's autonomic neuropathy showed significant improvement.
• Clinical remission of autonomic dysfunction correlated with tumor regression following treatment.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for treating paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy associated with SCLC.
• Combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be effective in managing both the tumor and its neurological complications.