Autoantibody-associated sensory neuronopathy and intestinal pseudo-obstruction without detectable neoplasia.

Abstract

A 60-year-old patient presenting with the typical features of progressive sensory neuronopathy and subsequent intestinal pseudo-obstruction was found to have antineuronal nuclear antibodies (ANNA-I or Anti-Hu). These findings were suggestive of a paraneoplastic syndrome, but neither clinically nor at autopsy could a neoplasm be detected. Neuropathological findings were identical with those known for carcinoma-associated forms with marked neuron loss of spinal sensory ganglia and myenteric plexus. Therefore, ANNA-I and intestinal pseudo-obstruction may in rare cases occur without detectable underlying cancer.

• Authors: R S Briellmann, M Sturzenegger, H A Gerber, T Schaffner, C W Hess
• Journal: European neurology (Eur Neurol) Vol. 36 Issue 6 Pg. 369-73 ( 1996) ISSN: 0014-3022 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 8954305 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Antinuclear
• Autoantibodies

Topics

• Antibodies, Antinuclear (immunology)
• Autoantibodies (immunology)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Humans
• Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction (immunology, pathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nervous System Diseases (immunology, pathology)
• Paraneoplastic Syndromes (immunology, pathology)
• Sensation Disorders (immunology, pathology)