[A case of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome with small cell lung cancer, treated with 3,4-diaminopyridine].

Abstract

A 77-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with muscle weakness and shortness of breath. Chest CT showed a mass in the left upper lobe, and electromyography showed waxing phenomenon with high-frequency repetitive stimulation. We diagnosed Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome accompanying small cell lung cancer. He was treated with carboplatin and etoposide, and concurrent thoracic irradiation. Although, the tumor size decreased, his myasthenic symptoms remained. He started taking 3,4-diaminopyridine and his muscle weakness improved dramatically, and he was eventually able to walk finally. In some cases, anti-tumor therapies cannot improve the myasthenic symptoms. In such cases, 3,4-diaminopyridine could improve the quality of life, and should be approved in Japan.

• Authors: Kumi Uekita, Takashi Ishida, Satoko Sekine, Taeko Ishii, Suguru Sato, Aya Sugawara, Motoko Tachihara, Kana Watanabe, Kenya Kanazawa, Junpei Saito, Yoshinori Tanino, Mitsuru Munakata
• Journal: Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai zasshi = the journal of the Japanese Respiratory Society (Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi) Vol. 47 Issue 1 Pg. 76-80 (Jan 2009) ISSN: 1343-3490 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 19198242 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Potassium Channel Blockers
• 4-Aminopyridine
• Amifampridine

Topics

• 4-Aminopyridine (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Aged
• Amifampridine
• Humans
• Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (drug therapy, etiology)
• Lung Neoplasms (complications)
• Male
• Potassium Channel Blockers (therapeutic use)
• Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (complications)