[A case of multiple sclerosis with intractable hiccup and acute respiratory arrest]

A 41-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) manifesting optic neuritis, cerebellar ataxia and myelopathy was admitted for intractable hiccup and aggravation of sensory disturbance in both lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a Gd-DTPA enhanced lesion from the level of the medulla oblongata, involving the reticular formation, to that of the vertebral body C2. She became abruptly unable to breath following aggravation of bulbar palsy and tetraplegia and mechanical ventilation was immediately initiated. The next day, voluntary breathing re-appeared but automatic respiratory failure remained unchanged. The respirator was completely removed after one month, and then the breathing was almost normal. In MS patients who develop intractable hiccup as an early symptom, it is suggested that the causative lesion is in the medulla oblongata. In such cases, we must carefully observe the clinical course because expansion of the lesion may induce respiratory failure.