LAMBERT EATON SYNDROME

SUMMARY

1. Paraneoplastic syndrome seen in 60% of lung SCC, breast, stomach, rectal CA and lymphomas.

2. Pathology - autoimmune disease in which anti-calcium channel antibodies in presynaptic peripheral nerve terminals, causing decreased release of acetylcholine.

3. Typical symptoms are gradually progressive proximal muscle weakness, aching thighs, dry mouth (autonomic dysfunction), and hyporeflexia, especially in the lower extremities.

4. It looks like MG, but doesn't involve ocular muscles and repetitive exercise may improve the weakness for the first few contractions.

5. Deep tendon reflexes are depressed in LE as opposed to MG where they are preserved!

Reference(s)

Wilkinson, I., Furmedge, D. and Sinharay, R. (2017). Oxford handbook of clinical medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Get it on Amazon.
Feather, A., Randall, D. and Waterhouse, M. (2020). Kumar And Clark’s Clinical Medicine. 10th ed. S.L.: Elsevier Health Sciences. Get it on Amazon.
Hannaman, R. A., Bullock, L., Hatchell, C. A., & Yoffe, M. (2016). Internal medicine review core curriculum, 2017-2018. CO Springs, CO: MedStudy.
Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. https://www.tg.org.au [Accessed 2021].