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[Imaging of limbic paraneoplastic encephalitis]
A Rimmelin1, F Sellal, G Morand
1Service de Radiologie 2, Hôpitaux Universitaires-Hôpital de Hautepierre, Strasbourg.
Journal De Radiologie
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, a rare syndrome often linked to lung cancer, was diagnosed in a man with amnesia. Early detection of the neuroendocrine tumor is crucial for potential neurological recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) is a rare autoimmune disorder.
- It is frequently associated with small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Observation:
- A 69-year-old male presented with selective amnesia indicative of limbic encephalitis.
- Neuroendocrine lung cancer was identified as the underlying cause.
Findings:
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed signal abnormalities in the medial temporal lobes and hippocampi.
- Cerebral CT scans were normal, highlighting MRI's diagnostic utility.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis for managing PLE.
- Prompt treatment of the primary tumor may lead to neurological improvement in patients with PLE.