Paraneoplastic Syndromes from Head to Toe: Pathophysiology, Imaging Features, and Workup

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNSs) are clinical manifestations not caused by direct tumor invasion.
• These syndromes arise from hormones, cytokines, or immune cross-reactivity triggered by neoplasms.
• Approximately 8% of cancer patients develop PNSs, affecting diverse organ systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance understanding of paraneoplastic syndromes' pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
• To highlight the importance of recognizing PNSs for early cancer detection and management.
• To familiarize radiologists with PNS presentations and relevant imaging.

Main Methods:

• Review of current medical literature on paraneoplastic syndromes.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and underlying mechanisms of PNSs.
• Correlation of imaging findings with specific PNSs and underlying malignancies.

Main Results:

• PNSs can precede, complicate, or indicate prognosis of cancer.
• Neurologic, musculoskeletal, endocrinologic, dermatologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems are commonly involved.
• Radiographic findings are crucial for diagnosing PNSs, identifying tumors, and monitoring treatment.

Conclusions:

• Familiarity with PNSs is essential for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
• Radiologists play a key role in detecting PNSs and their associated tumors through characteristic imaging.
• Early identification of PNSs can improve tumor detection, recurrence monitoring, and therapy response assessment.