Association of a paraneoplastic motor neuron disease with anti-Ri antibodies and a novel SOD1 I18del mutation.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Whether motor neuron diseases (MNDs) can be considered in some cases of paraneoplastic syndromes is controversial. We report a case of rapidly progressive motor neuronopathy following a diagnosis of breast carcinoma, with a presence of anti-Ri antibodies, and a novel SOD1 gene mutation.

OBSERVATION:

An 80-year-old woman with mucinous adenocarcinoma of the left breast for 4 years developed sub-acute quadriparesis. Myography revealed chronic denervation signs. The patient had serum anti-Ri onconeural antibodies. The diagnosis of paraneoplastic MND was established. Because of a familial history of ALS, a genetic analysis for familial ALS was performed. We identified a novel heterozygous mutation in SOD1 gene, SOD I18del. This mutation may reflect a genetic predisposition to develop a MND, inducing fragility of motor neurons. Neurological improvement was observed after three months of both intravenous gamma globulin and corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION:

The present observation supports the idea that MND can be considered as a paraneoplastic syndrome. A combination of anti-Ri onconeural antibodies and a particular SOD1 gene mutation, consisting in risk factor, might be in cause in the process of motor neuron death. When in doubt, paraneoplastic cause should be suspected in the differential diagnosis of MND. Immunotherapy treatment may lead to a favorable outcome.

• Authors: Capucine Diard-Detoeuf, Audrey Dangoumau, Nadège Limousin, Julien Biberon, Patrick Vourc'h, Christian R Andres, Bertrand de Toffol, Julien Praline
• Journal: Journal of the neurological sciences (J Neurol Sci) Vol. 337 Issue 1-2 Pg. 212-4 (Feb 15 2014) ISSN: 1878-5883 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 24296360 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antibodies
• Antigens, Neoplasm
• Nerve Tissue Proteins
• Neuro-Oncological Ventral Antigen
• RNA-Binding Proteins
• SOD1 protein, human
• Superoxide Dismutase
• Superoxide Dismutase-1

Topics

• Aged, 80 and over
• Animals
• Antibodies (blood)
• Antigens, Neoplasm (immunology)
• Female
• Humans
• Models, Molecular
• Motor Neuron Disease (complications, genetics)
• Nerve Tissue Proteins (immunology)
• Neuro-Oncological Ventral Antigen
• Paraneoplastic Syndromes (complications, genetics)
• RNA-Binding Proteins (immunology)
• Sequence Deletion (genetics)
• Superoxide Dismutase (genetics)
• Superoxide Dismutase-1