Abstract

JOVER, F. et al. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome presenting as acute respiratory failure in a patient with small cell lung cancer . An. Med. Interna (Madrid) [online]. 2002, vol.19, n.5, pp.37-39. ISSN 0212-7199.

The Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is a rare disorder of neuromuscular transmission, usually presenting as a paraneoplastic process associated with a small cell lung cancer. Recently, respiratory muscular impairment has been described in these patients. Acute respiratory failure as a presenting symptom has been reported in few cases. We present a case of acute ventilatory failure as the first manifestation of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome associated with small cell lung cancer and discuss the main features of this disease, including its treatment. The Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome should be considered in cases of unexplained acute respiratory failure and clinical evidence of neoplasic disease. We thought that electromyographic studies could reveal the real involvement of respiratory muscles, including diaphragm, in this condition.

Keywords : Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome; Acute respiratory failure; Small cell lung cancer.

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