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Lambert‐Eaton myasthenic syndrome presenting with severe respiratory failure
Author(s) -
Nicolle Michael W.,
Stewart Dwight J.,
Remtulla Hussein,
Chen Robert,
Bolton Charles F.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4598(199610)19:10<1328::aid-mus10>3.0.co;2-q
Subject(s) - lambert eaton myasthenic syndrome , respiratory failure , medicine , repetitive nerve stimulation , myasthenia gravis , compound muscle action potential , electrophysiology , respiratory system , anesthesia , phrenic nerve
Two cases of Lambert‐Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) who presented with primary respiratory failure are reported. In each case, although not initially suspected clinically, the electrophysiological findings, which included reduced compound muscle action potential amplitudes, decrement to 3‐Hz stimulation, and potentiation after 40‐Hz stimulation, led to the diagnosis in the critical care unit. Electrophysiological studies of the respiratory system, including repetitive nerve stimulation of the phrenic nerve, were extremely valuable in management. As shown by these cases, the severe respiratory failure in LEMS is reversible with treatment. Thus, LEMS should be considered in cases of unexplained respiratory failure, other clinical features of the disorder sought, and the electrophysiological hallmarks looked for, including studies of the respiratory system. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.