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Clinical and neurophysiologic features in paraneoplastic polyneuropathy
G Valli1, O Strada, C Pirovano
1Instituto di Clinica Neurologica, Università di Milano.
Tumori
|April 30, 1988
Summary
Paraneoplastic polyneuropathy, a rare complication of cancer, presents with progressive limb weakness. This study highlights its association with various malignancies, including lung, bone, and colon cancers.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Paraneoplastic polyneuropathy is a rare neurological disorder.
- It is associated with underlying malignancies.
Observation:
- Three inpatient cases of paraneoplastic polyneuropathy were identified.
- All patients exhibited progressive symptoms starting in the lower limbs.
- Elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein was noted in all cases.
Findings:
- Histological confirmation of malignancy was present in all three patients.
- Associated cancers included oat cell lung carcinoma, osteosarcoma, and sigmoid adenocarcinoma.
- Neurophysiologic studies revealed predominant axonal involvement.
Implications:
- This study underscores the importance of considering paraneoplastic polyneuropathy in cancer patients with unexplained neurological deficits.
- The diverse range of associated malignancies suggests a broad paraneoplastic mechanism.
- Early diagnosis and management of the underlying cancer are crucial.