J Clin Neurol.  2011 Mar;7(1):43-46. 10.3988/jcn.2011.7.1.43.

Seropositive Myasthenia Gravis Associated with Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma

• Ohira M
• Jeong D
• Oh SJ

• KMID: 1452573
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3988/jcn.2011.7.1.43

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is well known to be a classical paraneoplastic syndrome of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Three cases of seronegative myasthenia gravis (MG) and SCLC were previously reported.
CASE REPORT
A 65-year-old man developed a severe progressive respiratory failure with clinical features of MG. Tests showed a decremental response in the repetitive nerve stimulation test, abnormal single-fiber electromyography, and positive acetylcholine receptor antibody. SCLC was confirmed by the lung biopsy.
CONCLUSIONS
This case represents the first case of seropositive MG and SCLC.

Keyword

acetylcholine receptor antibody; myasthenia gravis; small cell lung cancer

MeSH Terms

Acetylcholine
Aged
Electromyography
Humans
Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome
Lung
Myasthenia Gravis
Paraneoplastic Syndromes
Respiratory Insufficiency
Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Acetylcholine

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Three single fiber potential pairs showing a marked jitter. Number above single fiber potentials represent MCD value in µs. Neuromuscular blocking is noted in the second slave potential in the bottom single fiber potential pairs. MCD: mean-consecutive-difference.

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