A recently diagnosed case of small cell carcinoma of lung presented with slowly progressive proximal muscle weakness along with ptosis of eyelids and diplopia. O/E: – DTRs-absent Autonomic dysfunctions like frequent dryness of mouth were present. The doctor advised repetitive nerve stimulation test. There was increase in compound muscle action potential amplitude and this increase was >100% following exercise or with high frequency repetitive nerve stimulation. On serological testing, antibodies will be found against which channels: –
A recently diagnosed case of small cell carcinoma of lung presented with slowly progressive proximal muscle weakness along with ptosis of eyelids and diplopia. O/E: – DTRs-absent Autonomic dysfunctions like frequent dryness of mouth were present. The doctor advised repetitive nerve stimulation test. There was increase in compound muscle action potential amplitude and this increase was >100% following exercise or with high frequency repetitive nerve stimulation. On serological testing, antibodies will be found against which channels: –
π‘ Explanation
**Core Concept**
Small cell carcinoma of the lung can be associated with Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS), a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and autonomic dysfunction. LEMS is caused by antibodies against voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) at the neuromuscular junction.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
LEMS is caused by autoantibodies against VGCCs, specifically the P/Q-type calcium channels. These antibodies reduce the release of acetylcholine from the motor nerve terminals, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) can increase the release of acetylcholine, resulting in an increase in the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude. This phenomenon is known as "post-exercise potentiation" or "high-frequency potentiation." In LEMS, the increase in CMAP amplitude is typically >100% following exercise or high-frequency RNS.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because LEMS is not associated with antibodies against nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are the target in myasthenia gravis.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because LEMS is not associated with antibodies against muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), which is also a target in myasthenia gravis.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because LEMS is not associated with antibodies against voltage-gated sodium channels, which are the target in conditions like chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that LEMS can be associated with small cell carcinoma of the lung, and the diagnosis is often challenging due to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms. A high index of suspicion and supportive findings like post-exercise potentiation on RNS can aid in the diagnosis.
**Correct Answer:**
**Correct Answer: B.**
β Correct Answer: B. P/Q type of calcium channels
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