Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy caused by hepatocellular carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Paraneoplastic syndromes involve abnormal immune or endocrine responses triggered by neoplasms.
• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an immune-mediated neuropathy associated with various cancers, particularly hematological malignancies.

Observation:

• A man in his 60s presented with acute paresis and sensory loss in extremities.
• Initial laboratory tests were normal, but electrodiagnostic studies confirmed diffuse peripheral nerve dysfunction, leading to a CIDP diagnosis.
• Imaging revealed a large liver mass, later identified as hepatocellular carcinoma.

Findings:

• The patient's CIDP symptoms did not improve with standard treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids.
• Laparoscopic resection of the hepatocellular carcinoma was performed.
• Post-surgery, the patient experienced complete resolution of neurological symptoms.

Implications:

• This case highlights hepatocellular carcinoma as a potential cause of CIDP.
• Surgical tumor resection can be an effective treatment for paraneoplastic CIDP.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing paraneoplastic neurological disorders.