Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome with A Twenty-Three-Year Delay in Diagnosis

Abstract

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare neuromuscular junction disorder resulting from the development of auto-antibodies against voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in pre-synaptic terminals (1). It has tumoral and non-tumoral forms; the former is associated with small cell lung cancer. Clinically, it is characterized by proximal weakness, autonomic symptoms, and loss/reduction of deep tendon reflexes (2). Muscular weakness, frequently occurring in the lower extremities, almost always begins symmetrically in the proximal muscles, progressing to involve the distal muscles over time (3). It may be confused with myopathic disorders due to the presence of symmetrical muscular weakness involving the proximal muscles. Herein we present the case of a non-tumoral LEMS patient who was diagnosed as having myopathy due to weakness that started in the legs nearly 23 years ago. Written consent was taken from the patient