A novel antineuronal antibody in a motor neuron syndrome associated with breast cancer.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

A 72-year-old woman developed a lower motor neuron syndrome (MNS) 4 months before the appearance of breast cancer. Monoparesis progressed to quadriparesis despite high-dose IV immunoglobulins, plasma exchange, and azathioprine, and high-dose IV methylprednisolone. The patient improved only after the removal of the tumor. MRI demonstrated hyperintensities in the cervical spinal cord. The patient had antibodies that reacted with axonal initial segments and nodes of Ranvier. The findings suggest that in this patient lower MNS may be a paraneoplastic condition associated with breast cancer.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Ferracci, F; Fassetta, G; Butler, MH; Floyd, S; Solimena, M; De Camilli, P

Published Date

  • September 11, 1999

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 53 / 4

Start / End Page

  • 852 - 855

PubMed ID

  • 10489053

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0028-3878

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1212/wnl.53.4.852

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States