Orthostatic Hypotension and Albuminocytologic Dissociation as Primary Manifestations of the Paraneoplastic Syndrome

Eur Neurol. 2018;80(1-2):78-81. doi: 10.1159/000493865. Epub 2018 Oct 19.

Abstract

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is the key manifestation of autonomic dysfunction with many causes. Systemic neurological causes such as paraneoplastic syndrome are usually ignored.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and examination data of 2 patients who were hospitalized, with onset symptom of OH and who were diagnosed as paraneoplastic syndrome.

Results: The patients were characteristic of an initial symptom of OH, positive anti-Hu antibody and albuminocytologic dissociation in the cerebrospinal fluid. Patient 2 died and Patient 1 worsened during follow-up.

Conclusions: The diagnosis of paraneoplastic syndrome is usually neglected when the onset symptoms are autonomic dysfunctions such as OH. Neurologists should improve their knowledge to diagnose accurately.

Keywords: Albuminocytologic dissociation; Autonomic dysfunction; Orthostatic hypotension; Paraneoplastic syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Albumins / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Humans
  • Hypotension, Orthostatic / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Hypotension, Orthostatic / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / complications*
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Albumins