 |
Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome - An autoimmune disease characterized by weakness and fatigability of proximal muscles, particularly of the pelvic girdle, lower extremities, trunk, and shoulder girdle. There is relative sparing of extraocular and bulbar muscles. CARCINOMA, SMALL CELL of the lung is a frequently associated condition, although other malignancies and autoimmune diseases may be associated. Muscular weakness results from impaired impulse transmission at the NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION. Presynaptic calcium channel dysfunction leads to a reduced amount of acetylcholine being released in response to stimulation of the nerve. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp 1471) |
|
Limbic Encephalitis - A paraneoplastic syndrome marked by degeneration of neurons in the medial temporal lobe. Clinical features include behavioral changes, HALLUCINATIONS, loss of short term memory, anosmia, AGEUSIA, and DEMENTIA. Circulating anti-neuronal antibodies (anti-Hu; also called ANNA 1) and small cell lung carcinomas are frequently associated with this condition. (From Pathologe 1997 Sep;18(5):406-10; J Int Neuropsychol Soc 1996 Sep;2(5):460-6; Brain 1997 Jun;120(Pt 6):923-8) |
|
Myelitis, Transverse - Inflammation of a transverse portion of the spinal cord characterized by acute or subacute segmental demyelination or necrosis. The condition may occur sporadically, follow an infection or vaccination, or present as a paraneoplastic syndrome (see also ENCEPHALOMYELITIS, ACUTE DISSEMINATED). Clinical manifestations include motor weakness, sensory loss, and incontinence. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1242-6) |
|
Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration - Cerebellar degeneration associated with a remote neoplasm. Clinical manifestations include progressive limb and GAIT ATAXIA; DYSARTHRIA; and NYSTAGMUS. The histologic type of the associated neoplasm is usually carcinoma or lymphoma. Pathologically the cerebellar cortex and subcortical nuclei demonstrate diffuse degenerative changes. Anti-Purkinje cell antibodies (anti-Yo) are found in the serum of approximately 50% of affected individuals. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p686) |
|
Paraneoplastic Polyneuropathy - A diffuse or multifocal peripheral neuropathy related to the remote effects of a neoplasm, most often carcinoma or lymphoma. Pathologically, there are inflammatory changes in peripheral nerves. The most common clinical presentation is a symmetric distal mixed sensorimotor polyneuropathy. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1334) |
CANADIAN
MEDICAL GUIDE