A case of paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis associated with small cell lung cancer

Ja Young Ryu, Seung Hyeun Lee, Eun Joo Lee, Kyung Hoon Min, Gyu Young Hur, Sung Yong Lee, Je Hyeong Kim, Sang Yeub Lee, Choi Shin, Jae Jeong Shim, Kwang Ho In, Kyung Ho Kang, Se Hwa Yoo

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    7 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) is a rare syndrome characterized by memory impairment, affective and behavioral disturbances and seizures. Among many different neoplasms known to cause PLE, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most frequently reported. The pathogenesis is not fully understood but is believed to be autoimmune-related. We experienced a patient with typical clinical features of PLE. A 67-year-old man presented with seizure and disorientation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated high signal intensity in the bilateral amygdala and hippocampus in flair and T2-weighted images suggestive of limbic encephalitis. Cerebrospinal fluid tapping revealed no evidence of malignant cells or infection. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed a lung mass with pleural effusion and a consequent biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PLE associated with SCLC. The patient was subsequently treated with chemotherapy and neurologic symptoms gradually improved. Copyright

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)273-277
    Number of pages5
    JournalTuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
    Volume73
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012 Nov

    Keywords

    • Limbic encephalitis
    • Lung neoplasms
    • Paraneoplastic syndromes

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
    • Infectious Diseases

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