Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome revealed after surgery of lung adenocarcinoma

Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2021 Oct 4:2184923211051796. doi: 10.1177/02184923211051796. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

We report a very rare case of cT1N0M0 lung adenocarcinoma reveling Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). A 69-year-old nonsmoking woman, with several comorbidities consulted for cough and dyspnea. Chest radiograph and CT scanning detected a left lower lobe mass; Needle biopsy confirmed differentiated adenocarcinoma; 18FDG-PET scan and Brain MRI eliminated metastatic disease dissemination. Our patient underwent a left lower lobectomy with mediastinal lymphadenectomy (pT1N0M0), no adjuvant chemotherapy was administrated. One month later patient present a muscle weakness in both lower limbs and fatigability followed by an inability to walk. The diagnosis of LEMS was made from the distinctive electromyogram (EMG) findings and a treatment with Amifampridine (3, 4-diaminopyridine phosphate [3, 4-DAP]) was prescribed with evident efficacy for symptoms.

Keywords: 3-4 diaminopyridine phosphate; Adenocarcinoma; Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome; Lung.