Publication

Anti-Hu syndrome preceding a carcinoma of the vocal cords

Presentation - Dec 21, 2006

Units

Citation
Müller S, Endress E, Schött D, Hägele-Link S (2006). Anti-Hu syndrome preceding a carcinoma of the vocal cords. Presented at: 177. Tagung der Schweizerischen Neurologischen Gesellschaft (Interlaken), -
Type
Presentation (Deutsch)
Event Name
177. Tagung der Schweizerischen Neurologischen Gesellschaft (Interlaken) (-)
Publication Date
Dec 21, 2006
Brief description/objective

The anti-Hu syndrome is a paraneoplastic
neurological syndrome, most frequently associated
with small cell carcinoma of the lung.
Paraneoplastic syndromes are extremely rare
in otolaryngology.
We report the case of a 63-year-old man
who presented with asymmetrical paraesthesias
of the hands later spreading to the arms
in 2002. Neurophysiological studies showed a
mixed axonal/demyelinating sensory-motor
neuropathy. No underlying condition was
found but a paraneoplastic screen showed
anti-Hu antibodies. 6 months later he noticed
a hoarseness,bronchoscopy showed no pathology.
In 2005 finally a squamous cell carcinoma
of the vocal cords was diagnosed.
Retrospectively an association of this cancer
with the anti-Hu syndrome must be presumed.
In various follow-ups the neuropathy
remained stable. This case report shows that
paraneoplastic neurological symptoms often
appear before the associated cancer has been
identified.