Paraneoplastic neurologic manifestations of neuroendocrine tumors.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors arising from the transformation of neuroendocrine cells in several organs, most notably the gastro-entero-pancreatic system and respiratory tract. The classification was recently revised in the 5th Edition of the WHO Classification of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors. NENs can rarely spread to the central or peripheral nervous systems. Neurologic involvement is determined by the rare development of paraneoplastic syndromes, which are remote effects of cancer. Mechanisms depend on immunologic response to a tumor, leading to the immune attack on the nervous system or the production of biologically active ("functioning") substances, which can determine humoral (endocrine) effects with neurologic manifestations. Paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes (PNS) are immunologically mediated and frequently detected in small cell lung cancer but rarely seen in other forms of NEN. PNS and Merkel cell carcinoma is increasingly reported, especially with Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Endocrine manifestations are found in a wide spectrum of NENs. They can develop at any stage of the diseases and determine neurologic manifestations. Patient outcomes are influenced by tumor prognosis, neurologic complications, and the severity of endocrine effects.

Hypercalcaemia of malignancy: a case of vitamin-D-mediated hypercalcaemia in lymphoma.

Hypercalcaemia of malignancy (HCM) is a paraneoplastic syndrome that often portends a poor prognosis. We present an extremely rare (<1%) case of HCM due to extrarenal calcitriol (1,25-(OH)2D) production in a patient with splenic marginal zone lymphoma. A man in his 80s presented with a 3-week history of fatigue, unsteadiness and abdominal pain, and new findings of anaemia, kidney injury and hypercalcaemia. Laboratory evaluation, bone marrow biopsy and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) confirmed the diagnosis of splenic marginal zone lymphoma which produced calcitriol (1,25-(OH)2D3), causing the patient's hypercalcaemia.

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor producing cervical cancer with elevated levels of parathyroid hormone-related protein: a case report and literature review.

Systemic effects associated with hormones and cytokines secreted by tumor cells can cause paraneoplastic syndrome. Leukemoid reactions and hypercalcemia are relatively common manifestations of paraneoplastic syndrome. Here, we describe the case of a 90-year-old woman who presented with leukocytosis and hypercalcemia and was diagnosed with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)-producing cervical cancer with elevated levels of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP). The patient visited our hospital complaining of general fatigue and anorexia. On admission, she presented with marked leukocytosis, hypercalcemia, and an increase in C-reactive protein level. On the basis of abdominal magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological examination, the patient was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Additional tests confirmed elevated plasma levels of G-CSF, PTHrP, and serum interleukin-6. Immunostaining of pathological specimens of the uterine cervix showed expression of G-CSF in tumor cells. The patient was diagnosed with G-CSF-producing cervical cancer accompanied by elevation of PTHrP levels. As a treatment for hypercalcemia, discontinuation of oral vitamin D derivative and administration of saline and elcatonin were ineffective, and therapeutic intervention with zoledronic acid hydrate was required. Considering the patient's advanced age, surgical resection of cervical cancer was not performed. She died from congestive heart failure approximately 3 months after hospitalization. This case was indicated to be a paraneoplastic syndrome in which G-CSF and PTHrP-induced leukocytosis and hypercalcemia. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of G-CSF-producing cervical cancer with elevated PTHrP levels, and our case is the first report.

Cytological findings of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor: Report of a case with summary of prior published cases.

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT) is a rare neoplasm causing tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) and is characterized by secretion of FGF23, renal phosphate wasting and hypophosphataemia. It can be completely cured by resection and therefore its diagnosis is of utmost importance. Although the histology is well described, there is sparse literature on cytology of PMT and only three cases have been described so far. A 45-year-old lady presented with a non-tender mass in hard palate for 2 years from which fine-needle aspiration was done. The smears were paucicellular and showed bland spindle cells embedded in osteoid-like stromal matrix in a hemorrhagic background. Here we take the opportunity to describe the cytological findings of PMT along with its cytological differentials and a summary of prior published cases.

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor: two cases highlighting differences in clinical and radiologic presentation.

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors are rare, usually benign neoplasms that occur in the soft tissue or bone and are the cause of nearly all cases of tumor-induced osteomalacia. Tumor-induced osteomalacia due to phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor is a challenging diagnosis to make-patients present with variable clinical and radiologic findings and the culprit neoplasm is often small and can occur anywhere head to toe. We present two cases of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor in the scapular body and plantar foot. In both cases, the patient endured years of debilitating symptoms before a tissue diagnosis was eventually reached. Descriptions of clinical presentation, laboratory workup, surgical resection, and imaging characteristics, with a focus on CT, MRI, and functional imaging, are provided to assist with the diagnosis and management of this rare entity. A brief review of current literature and discussion of the differential diagnoses of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor is also provided.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome as a paraneoplastic neurological disease of pulmonary adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma: A case report.

We present the case of a 69-year-old male who presented with profound weakness in the extremities. Remarkably, he lacked any identifiable precipitating factors preceding the onset of his illness. However, a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) was established based on typical clinical symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and neurological examination. During his hospitalization, an incidental discovery of lung cancer was made. Subsequent pathology confirmed adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the lungs. This case report serves to underscore the exceptional rarity of the simultaneous occurrence of lung cancer and GBS, renewing interest in investigating GBS as a potential paraneoplastic neurological syndrome. Keywords: Guillain-Barré syndrome, paraneoplastic neurological disease, pulmonary adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma.

[FGF23 tumor induced osteomalacia with localization of neoplasm in the tympanic cavity]. / FRF23-indutsirovannaya osteomalyatsiya opukholevogo geneza s lokalizatsiei novoobrazovaniya v barabannoi polosti.

Tumor induced osteomalacia is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by mesenchymal tumors that secrete fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Patients complain of progressive bone pain, muscle weakness and brittle fractures. Delayed diagnosis of osteomalacia caused by a tumor is often found in clinical practice. When verifying the exact localization of the neoplasm, radical removal within healthy tissues is recommended. The article considers a clinical example of FGF23 tumor induced osteomalacia with localization of neoplasm in the tympanic cavity.

Management of small cell lung cancer complicated with paraneoplastic Cushing's syndrome: a systematic literature review.

Paraneoplastic Cushing's syndrome (PCS) is a rare, but clinically important feature of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) that is associated with even worse prognosis. To identify key considerations in comprehensive management of SCLC patients complicated with PCS, we conducted a systematic review of relevant reports on PubMed and Web of Science, focusing on SCLC with PCS cases. The systematic review analyzed 61 reports published between 1985 and 2022 with a total of 157 SCLC patients included. Out of the 157 patients, 132 (84.1%) patients across 58 (95.1%) reports were diagnosed with ectopic Cushing's syndrome. The immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was performed on 30 (19.1%) patients across 22 (36.1%) reports and demonstrated encouraging performance. For treatment, chemotherapy and ketoconazole were utilized in 50 (81.97%) and 24 (39.34%) reports, respectively. Regarding cause of death, infection and cancer were equally frequent, each being recorded in 17 (27.87%) reports. To conclude, the majority of PCS cases in SCLC patients were caused by ectopic hormone secretion. In order to make a differential diagnosis, it is recommended to utilize IHC staining for a specific hormone such as ACTH or corticotropin-releasing hormone. In the comprehensive treatment of SCLC with PCS patients, effective management of hypercortisolism and potent safeguarding against infection play two crucial roles. Ultimately, further confirmations are required regarding the specificity and accuracy of IHC staining technique as well as the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in the treatment of SCLC with PCS patients.

Occipital bone and tumor-induced osteomalacia: a rare tumor site for an uncommon paraneoplastic syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is an uncommon paraneoplastic syndrome due to the overproduction of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). It is predominantly caused by mesenchymal tumors and cured upon their complete removal. Non-surgical treatment is an alternative option but limited to specific clinical conditions. METHODS: We report a challenging case of TIO caused by a tumor involving the occipital bone. We also performed a literature review of TIO caused by tumors localized at this site, focusing on clinical findings, treatment, and outcomes. RESULTS: The patient, a 62-year-old male, presented with a long-lasting history of progressive weakness. Biochemical evaluation revealed severe hypophosphatemia due to low renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate with raised intact FGF23 values. A 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET/TC imaging showed a suspicious lesion located in the left occipital bone that MRI and selective venous catheterization confirmed to be the cause of TIO. Stereotactic gamma knife radiosurgery was carried out, but unfortunately, the patient died of acute respiratory failure. To date, only seven additional cases of TIO have been associated to tumors located in the occipital bone. Furthermore, the tumor involved the left side of the occipital bone in all these patients. CONCLUSION: The occipital region is a difficult area to access so a multidisciplinary approach for their treatment is required. If anatomical differences could be the basis for the predilection of the left side of the occipital bone, it remains to be clarified.

Tumoral parkinsonism-Parkinsonism secondary to brain tumors, paraneoplastic syndromes, intracranial malformations, or oncological intervention, and the effect of dopaminergic treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Secondary tumoral parkinsonism is a rare phenomenon that develops as a direct or indirect result of brain neoplasms or related conditions. OBJECTIVES: The first objective was to explore to what extent brain neoplasms, cavernomas, cysts, paraneoplastic syndromes (PNSs), and oncological treatment methods cause parkinsonism. The second objective was to investigate the effect of dopaminergic therapy on the symptomatology in patients with tumoral parkinsonism. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted in the databases PubMed and Embase. Search terms like "secondary parkinsonism," "astrocytoma," and "cranial irradiation" were used. Articles fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in the review. RESULTS: Out of 316 identified articles from the defined database search strategies, 56 were included in the detailed review. The studies, which were mostly case reports, provided research concerning tumoral parkinsonism and related conditions. It was found that various types of primary brain tumors, such as astrocytoma and meningioma, and more seldom brain metastases, can cause tumoral parkinsonism. Parkinsonism secondary to PNSs, cavernomas, cysts, as well as oncological treatments was reported. Twenty-five of the 56 included studies had tried initiating dopaminergic therapy, and of these 44% reported no, 48% low to moderate, and 8% excellent effect on motor symptomatology. CONCLUSION: Brain neoplasms, PNSs, certain intracranial malformations, and oncological treatments can cause parkinsonism. Dopaminergic therapy has relatively benign side effects and may relieve motor and nonmotor symptomatology in patients with tumoral parkinsonism. Dopaminergic therapy, particularly levodopa, should therefore be considered in patients with tumoral parkinsonism.

[Hodgkin's lymphoma: sensitive and autonomic neuropathy as a paraneoplastic manifestation]. / Linfoma de Hodgkin: neuronopatía sensitiva y autonómica como manifestación paraneoplásica.

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) comprises a heterogeneous group of lymphoid neoplasms whose origin lies in B lymphocytes. The neurological manifestations of this pathology are infrequent, and may arise from direct invasion of neoplastic cells to the nervous system, or indirectly, through paraneoplastic syndromes or as a complication of treatment. Among the neurological paraneoplastic syndromes that affect patients with HL, paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration is the most common. Other few cases include limbic encephalitis, sensory, motor, and autonomic neuronopathy. These syndromes can be the initial manifestation of neoplastic disease, and the lack of information regarding this association can lead to a delay in diagnosis and consequently in the initiation of therapy worsening the prognosis. We report the case of awoman with HL who presented sensory and autonomic neuronopathy at the onset of her disease as paraneoplastic neurological manifestations. After the initiation of the specific treatment for the lymphoma, the autonomic neuronopathy had almost complete resolution, unlike the sensory neuronopathy, which showed limited recovery.

El linfoma de Hodgkin (LH) comprende un grupo heterogéneo de neoplasias linfoides cuyo origen radica en linfocitos B. Las manifestaciones neurológicas de dicha enfermedad son infrecuentes, pudiendo tener su origen por invasión directa de las células neoplásicas en el sistema nervioso, o indirectamente, a través de síndromes paraneoplásicos o como complicación del tratamiento. Dentro de los síndromes neurológicos paraneoplásicos que afectan a pacientes con LH, la degeneración cerebelosa paraneoplásica es la más frecuente. Otros reportados con menor frecuencia en series de casos o casos aislados incluyen encefalitis límbica, neuronopatía sensitiva, motora y autonómica. Estos pueden ser la manifestación inicial de la enfermedad neoplásica, y la falta de conocimiento de dicha asociación puede retrasar el diagnóstico, con inicio tardío del tratamiento y peor pronóstico. Reportamos el caso de una mujer con LH que presentó al inicio de su enfermedad neuronopatía sensitiva y autonómica como manifestaciones neurológicas paraneoplásicas. Una vez iniciado el tratamiento específico para su linfoma, la neuronopatía autonómica tuvo resolución casi completa a diferencia de la neuronopatía sensitiva, la cual demostró escasa recuperación.

Myasthenia-like paraneoplastic syndrome with multiple cranial nerve tumor infiltration: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Approximately 0.001% of patients with cancer have paraneoplastic nerve system syndrome, which can affect the central nervous system, neuromuscular junction, or peripheral nervous system. Although myasthenia gravis (MG) may exist as a thymic paraneoplastic syndrome (PNPS), its association with primary lung cancer remains unknown. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 55-year-old female presented with slurred speech, weakness in chewing, sporadic difficulty in swallowing, and weakness in both lower limbs for half a year. DIAGNOSES: Based on cerebrospinal fluid and electromyography findings, we present the case of a female patient diagnosed with overlapping multicranial nerve tumor infiltration and MG-like neurological PNPS secondary to lung adenocarcinoma. INTERVENTIONS: The patient received intrathecal injections of pemetrexed and neurotrophic (vitamin B) therapy before ceasing chemoradiotherapy and chose cabozantinib on her own. OUTCOMES: Weakness of the proximal limbs, choking cough, and chewing problems did not improve significantly. LESSONS: Although it is unclear why MG coexists with lung cancer, it is probable that MG is a paraneoplastic condition. Cerebrospinal fluid testing should be carried out along with electrophysiological, serological, and pharmacological procedures pertinent to the diagnosis of MG to thoroughly examine if people simultaneously experience MG-like PNPS and tumor growth. Starting immunotherapy and anticancer medication at the same time that tumor development and MG-like syndrome are discovered is crucial.

Brief Communication: Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Paraneoplastic Syndrome Associated With Merkel Cell Carcinoma Successfully Treated by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: 2 Cases.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine cutaneous tumor with high metastatic potential. In rare cases, it can be associated with paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS), which result from an antitumor immunity against antigens produced by the tumor itself. Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) is a neurological autoimmune PNS characterized by an impairment of the neuromuscular junction, leading to proximal muscle weakness and fatigability. Although the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is a breakthrough in the management of many cancers, onset or worsen of immune diseases has been described. Thereby, in patients with previous neurological PNS like LEMS, the ICI therapy for cancer may aggravate neurological symptoms and lead to irreversible impairment. We report here 2 cases of patients with metastatic MCC associated with a LEMS at the diagnosis. Both successfully received ICI therapies (anti-PDL1 avelumab and anti-PD1 pembrolizumab) without worsening of LEMS and any major immune-related adverse effects. Their neurological condition improved and disappeared concomitantly with the efficacy of immunotherapy, and we did not observe relapse of both MCC and LEMS after treatment discontinuation. Finally, we performed a complete review of the literature, which confirmed that ICI treatment could be discussed for patients with paraneoplastic LEMS, and emphasized the need for multidisciplinary management.

Fatal limbic encephalitis as paraneoplastic neurological syndrome in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma positive for antiamphiphysin antibody after durvalumab treatment.

A 69-year-old Japanese male with advanced lung adenocarcinoma developed neurological symptoms after chemoradiotherapy and durvalumab maintenance therapy. He was positive for serum antiamphiphysin antibody, which is rarely seen in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Additionally, his brain magnetic resonance images showed limbic encephalitis which led to the diagnosis of classic paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) activate T cells and may also activate antineuronal antibodies that cause PNS. Durvalumab, which is an ICI, may have led to antiamphiphysin antibody-positive PNS in our patient. Treatment with systemic high-dose methylprednisolone was unsuccessful and he died 2 months later. PNS should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses in patients with lung cancer and neurological symptoms during, or after, ICI treatment.

Outcomes and Histological Variations of Neuroblastoma and Ganglioneuroblastoma with Paraneoplastic Syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastomas are the most common extracranial solid malignancy in children with variable manifestations and complications depending on the presence of paraneoplastic syndromes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a single institution retrospective cohort study of all patients less than 18 years old diagnosed with neuroblastoma or ganglioneuroblastoma between January 2002 and July 2022. Patients were identified through the pathology and cancer registry and cross-referenced with pediatric records. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes were collected. A univariate descriptive analysis of the collected data was conducted. RESULTS: In our study period, 130 children were diagnosed with neuroblastoma, and 15 were diagnosed with ganglioneuroblastoma. There were 12 children with a paraneoplastic syndrome identified, 8 with NBL and 4 with ganglioneuroblastoma (GNBL). The average age at diagnosis was 22 months. All but 1 underwent resection prior to treatment of paraneoplastic syndrome, and 4 children required neoadjuvant therapy. Neurological complications were the most common with 10 children (83%). The average time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 0.7 months. Eight children had complete resolution of their symptoms after treatment and resection, 2 children recently started treatment within a year, 1 had partial resolution, and 1 died during treatment. The presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes occurred in 4 children with neurologic paraneoplastic syndromes. Six children had neuropil rich tumors. CONCLUSION: The histological profile of paraneoplastic syndromes of neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroblastoma and their treatment across a single institution can be highly variable. The presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and neuropil may have an impact on paraneoplastic pathology.

Examining the differential of digital ischaemia and review of paraneoplastic ischaemia.

There is a broad differential diagnosis of digital ischaemia that includes commonly encountered conditions of vascular or thromboembolic nature as well as less commonly seen such as those of vasculitic or rheumatological origin. A less frequently encountered pathology is digital ischaemia associated with malignancy. This paraneoplastic process is rare and infrequently described in the literature, though it has been observed in various solid and haematological malignancies. Here, we describe a patient case with an atypical presentation of digital ischaemia and present a brief review on prior reports of digital ischaemia related to cancer.

Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes of the central nervous system: a single institution 7-year case series.

BACKGROUND: Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNSs) are nonmetastatic complications of malignancy, defined by the presence of onconeural antibodies (ONAs). ONAs may be found in 60% of patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement, and they are directed against intraneuronal antigens or channels, receptors or associated proteins located at the synaptic or extra-synaptic neuronal cell membrane. Given its rare incidence, there are few epidemiological case series on CNS-PNS. We aim to discuss the variability of CNS-PNSs etiology, clinical features, management and outcome, highlighting the importance of early recognition and appropriate treatment, leading to significant reduction of mortality and morbidity. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our 7-years single-center experience, and specifically discussed the underlying etiology, parenchymal CNS involvement, and the acute treatment response. Only cases fulfilling PNS Euronetwork criteria for definitive PNS were included. RESULTS: A total of 26 probable PNSs cases involving CNS were identified. We reported medical records of eleven (42.3%) illustrative cases, meeting the criteria of definite PNS and presenting variable clinical spectrum and different radiological appearances. Our series has a relative paucity of the most common syndromes and larger portion of clinical diagnosis with ONAs. Well-characterized ONAs had been detected in CSF of six patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our case series supports the utmost importance of early recognition of CNS-PNSs. Screening for occult malignancies should not be limited to patients with classical CNS syndrome. Empiric immunomodulatory therapy may be considered before the diagnostic evaluation is completed, in order to prevent unfavorable outcome. Late presentations should not discourage initiation of treatment.

Imaging characteristics of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome associated with phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs). Localization of the causative tumor in these cases is an arduous task since the culprit lesions are usually small, slow-growing, and can be located almost anywhere from head to toe. PURPOSE: To describe the morphological characteristics of histologically proven PMTs on various radiological modalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After institutional ethical approval, this retrospective study analyzed 20 cases with a histopathological evidence of PMT. Various imaging characteristics of the tumors on available computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were evaluated. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The tumors were located in diverse locations: lower extremities (n = 10); head and neck (n = 5); vertebral column (n = 3); pelvis (n = 1); and upper extremities (n = 1). Bone lesions seen on CT had variable morphology: sclerotic (n = 3/8, 37.5%); lytic (n = 3/8, 37.5%), and both lytic and sclerotic (n = 2/8, 25%) with presence of narrow zone of transition in all cases (n = 8/8) and amorphous internal matrix calcifications in 25% of cases (n = 2/8). Of the tumors, 68.4% (n = 13/19) were hypointense on T1 and all of them showed hyperintense signal on T2-weighted and STIR images (n = 19/19) and contrast enhancement (n = 16/16). Of the tumors, 66.7% (n = 6/9) showed restricted diffusion. DOTANOC PET/CT showed tumor uptake in all cases (n = 8/8). CONCLUSION: PMTs may have variable and non-specific tumor appearances on various imaging modalities. However, in an appropriate clinical scenario and a background of suggestive biochemical work-up, the radiologist should keep a high index of suspicion.