Hocar O, Poszepczynska-Guigné E, Faye O, Wechsler J, Bagot M, Buffard V. [Severe necrotizing myopathy subsequent to Merkel cell carcinoma].
Ann Dermatol Venereol 2010;
138:130-4. [PMID:
21333825 DOI:
10.1016/j.annder.2010.11.008]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Revised: 09/22/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare tumour with a poor prognosis. Rare cases of paraneoplastic neurological syndrome have been associated with this type of tumour, namely myasthenic syndrome of Lambert-Eaton and encephalomyelitis. We report the first case of severe necrotizing myopathy with anti-Hu antibodies complicating MCC.
CASE REPORT
We describe the case of a 58-year-old woman with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the forearm complicated by severe necrotizing myopathy associated with the presence of anti-Hu antibodies. This myopathy occurred 3 months after complete remission of MCC. The patient was treated with high-dose corticosteroids combined with two intravenous infusions of immunoglobulins. Her neurological status deteriorated despite this treatment. Pararaneoplastic syndrome (anti-Hu antibodies, necrotizing myopathy) complicating MCC was suspected. There was no visible tumour relapse. After multidisciplinary discussion, it was decided to supplement treatment with chemotherapy (carboplatin and VP-16). The patient died 20 days after the first course of chemotherapy.
DISCUSSION
Severe necrotizing myopathy with anti-Hu antibodies may be added to the list of possible paraneoplastic syndromes associated with Merkel cell carcinoma.
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