Diverse electrophysiological spectrum of the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome

Muscle Nerve. 1989 Jun;12(6):464-9. doi: 10.1002/mus.880120605.

Abstract

Among 13 patients with the Lambert-Eaton myathenic syndrome (LEMS), three different patterns on the repetitive nerve stimulation test were observed at the time of initial testing. Type 1 pattern, seen in one patient, had low normal CMAP amplitude, decremental response at the low rate of stimulation (LRS), and relatively normal response at the high rate of stimulation (HRS). Type 2, seen in nine patients, had the classical triad: low CMAP amplitude, decremental response at LRS, and incremental response at HRS. Type 3, seen in three patients, showed low CMAP amplitude, decremental response at LRS, and initial decremental response at HRS. We believe that these three patterns represent different degrees of blocking in LEMS, from the mildest in type 1 to the most severe in type 3. Since types 1 and 3 can be misinterpreted as myasthenia gravis patterns, they must be recognized in LEMS and an incremental response documented by prolonged stimulation at HRS.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscles / physiopathology
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / physiopathology*