Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare disorder of nerve-muscle (neuromuscular) junction. Both the etiology and the clinical findings of the disease may resemble myasthenia gravis, but there are many substantial differences between clinical presentations and pathogenetic features of two disorders.

Anderson was the first person to mention a case with possible clinical findings of LEMS in 1953, but Lambert, Eaton and Rooke were the first physicians to substantially describe the clinical and electrophysiological findings of the disease in 1966.

LEMS usually comes out alone but lung cancer (small-cell histology) may accompany the disease in some cases. In both conditions, the disease is of autoimmune origin, that is, it is caused by antibodies that are directed against the antigens of the neuromuscular junction. In 1989, the previously anticipated antibodies were demonstrated to be directed against calcium channels, which are located in neuromuscular junction (see synapse) and are responsible from the efficient release of acetylcholine. The antibodies prevent normal function of calcium channels and thus prevent the release of acetylcholine that is essential for normal nerve-muscle interactions, which maintain the normal muscle strength (see synapse, nerve, neuron, muscle). There are also some patients that do not carry these antibodies in their serum samples and the exact cause of disease in these cases still remains to be determined. In cases with both LEMS and lung cancer (usually small cell type), the antibodies are suggested to be aimed at cancer cells and to bind and affect the antigens in neuromuscular junction accidentally. LEMS can be observed in other types of cancer including the transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Approximately 50% of LEMS cases have an identifiable malignancy. The disease is usually observed in middle aged and older people but children and young people can be affected, as well. Due to the infrequency of the condition, the exact incidence is unknown.

Clinical findings

The major clinical finding is progressive weakness that does not usually involve the respiratory muscles and the muscles of face. In patients with affected ocular and respiratory muscles, the involvement is not as severe as myasthenia gravis. The proximal parts of the legs and arms are predominantly affected. Many patients have autonomic symptoms like dry mouth or impotence. Reflexes are usually reduced or absent.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is established by clinical and laboratory findings (chest x-ray for a possible lung malignancy, antibodies to calcium channels, incremental response in repetitive nerve stimulation). Incremental response is an increased response of muscle fibers to very high frequencies of electrical stimulation. Observed increase in the response of muscle fibers proves that there is a difficulty with the release of acetylcholine and this difficulty can be overwhelmed by intensive stimulation.

Treatment

Corticosteroids, azathioprine and 3,4-diaminopyridine are used in treatment of LEMS with limited success. In some cases with a progressive and intractable course, plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin can be tried.