Open AccessLambert Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome diagnosed following prolonged neuromuscular blockade: beware the patient with weak legs
Author(s) -
Linton Fiona,
Skubula Alexandra,
Ibrahim Heba,
Jee Richard
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
anaesthesia cases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2396-8397
DOI - 10.21466/ac.lemsdfp.2016
Subject(s) - neuromuscular blockade , medicine , myasthenia gravis , muscle biopsy , blockade , weakness , lambert eaton myasthenic syndrome , anesthesia , neuromuscular junction , neuromuscular transmission , biopsy , surgery , psychology , neuroscience , receptor
Summary We present the case of a patient who had a tonsillar biopsy as a day case and developed prolonged neuromuscular blockade. He was diagnosed with Lambert Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) and a subsequent biopsy confirmed mixed small and non‐small cell lung cancer. This case reinforces the importance of neuromuscular monitoring and investigating episodes of prolonged neuromuscular blockade. It also highlights the significance of patients who complain of lower limb weakness during their anaesthetic pre‐assessment and the requirement for further evaluation.