Clinical presentation and differential diagnosis of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome

Abstract

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is frequently associated with malignancy, especially small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Here, we describe a patient with a 5-year history of cervical myelopathy who presented with recurrent limb weakness of her limbs and complained of recent progressive weakness. Following an examination that included electromyography, a chest CT scan, and a bronchofiberscopy examination with brushing biopsy, the patient was diagnosed with LEMS and SCLC. This case report highlights the ongoing need for clinicians to be observant for cases of LEMS, to consider both patient history and physical examination data, and to accurately obtain a differential diagnosis between LEMS and other diseases, which also cause weakness.