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Paraneoplastic coma and acquired central alveolar hypoventilation as a manifestation of brainstem encephalitis in a patient with ANNA-1 antibody and small-cell lung cancer

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Abstract

Introduction

Paraneoplastic neurological disorders are a well recognized complication of malignancy.

Methods

A case report to expand the currently described clinical manifestations of type 1 antineuronal antibody (ANNA-1)-associated paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis to include coma.

Results

We present an unusual case of fluctuating coma and rapid fulminant progression to acute respiratory failure from central alveolar hypoventilation caused by ANNA-1 paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis associated with small-cell lung carcinoma. Paraneoplastic infiltration of the brainstem and cerebellum, including respiratory and arousal centers, was documented on autopsy.

Conclusions

Paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis should be considered as a possible cause of coma and central alveolar hypoventilation.

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Correspondence to Mohamed Y. Rady.

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Lee, K.S., Higgins, M.J., Patel, B.M. et al. Paraneoplastic coma and acquired central alveolar hypoventilation as a manifestation of brainstem encephalitis in a patient with ANNA-1 antibody and small-cell lung cancer. Neurocrit Care 4, 137–139 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1385/NCC:4:2:137

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