J Korean Dysphagia Soc.  2022 Jan;12(1):64-69. 10.34160/jkds.2022.12.1.008.

Atypical Dysphagia in an Anti-Hu Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patient

• Kim I
• Kim J
• Lee HY
• Park GY
• Jeong SA
• Hwang H
• Im S

• KMID: 2525439
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.34160/jkds.2022.12.1.008

Abstract

Anti-Hu antibodies usually present in small cell lung cancer are associated with encephalomyelitis, encephalitis, cerebellitis, and neuropathies. However, to our knowledge, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) related anti-Hu syndrome presenting acute exacerbation of dysphagia has not been reported. Herein, we report a rare case of atypical dysphagia in an anti-Hu positive NSCLC patient resulting in a fatal outcome. A 73-year-old Korean male went through surgical interventions for recurrent tongue cancer and NSCLC. After the surgery, he resumed full oral feeding with a regular diet. However, four weeks later, he developed a sudden difficulty in swallowing. Neck computed tomography angiography, brain magnetic resonance imaging, brain positron emission tomography, computed tomography and electromyography all showed nonspecific findings. A paraneoplastic antibody test was positive for anti-Hu antibodies. His dysphagia worsened and eventually, he expired due to malignant pleural effusion. Our case shows that anti-Hu antibodies can be expressed in NSCLC and when associated with dysphagia, the outcome can be fatal.

Keyword

Deglutition disorders; Paraneoplastic syndromes; Carcinoma; Non-small-cell lung