Atypical Dysphagia in an Anti-Hu Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patient
10.34160/jkds.2022.12.1.008
- Author:
Inah KIM
1
;
Jeana KIM
;
Hee Yeon LEE
;
Geun Young PARK
;
Sang Ah JEONG
;
Hyemi HWANG
;
Sun IM
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:
Journal of the Korean Dysphagia Society
2022;12(1):64-69
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Anti-Hu antibodies usually present in small cell lung cancer are associated with encephalomyelitis, encephalitis, cerebellitis, and neuropathies. However, to our knowledge, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) related anti-Hu syndrome presenting acute exacerbation of dysphagia has not been reported. Herein, we report a rare case of atypical dysphagia in an anti-Hu positive NSCLC patient resulting in a fatal outcome. A 73-year-old Korean male went through surgical interventions for recurrent tongue cancer and NSCLC. After the surgery, he resumed full oral feeding with a regular diet. However, four weeks later, he developed a sudden difficulty in swallowing. Neck computed tomography angiography, brain magnetic resonance imaging, brain positron emission tomography, computed tomography and electromyography all showed nonspecific findings. A paraneoplastic antibody test was positive for anti-Hu antibodies. His dysphagia worsened and eventually, he expired due to malignant pleural effusion. Our case shows that anti-Hu antibodies can be expressed in NSCLC and when associated with dysphagia, the outcome can be fatal.
