Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS): clinical features

Pathology

• LEMS is an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction
• It is caused by autoantibodies to voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs)
• It is paraneoplastic in 50-60% of cases
• Non-paraneoplastic LEMS is often associated with HLA B8, DR3 and DQ2 

Limb weakness

Ptosis

Other neuromuscular features

Autonomic features

Associated autoimmune disorders

Differential diagnosis: myasthenia gravis (MG)

Differential diagnoses: others

Acronym

References

1. Gilhus NE. Lambert-eaton myasthenic syndrome; pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy. Autoimmune Dis 2011; 2011:973808.
2. Mareska M, Gutmann L. Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Semin Neurol 2004; 24:149-153.
3. Titulaer MJ, Lang B, Verschuuren JJGM. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: from clinical characteristics to therapeutic strategies. Lancet 2011; 10:1098-1107. 
4. Weimer MB, Wong J. Lambert-eaton myasthenic syndrome. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2009; 11:77-84.
5. Sabater L, Titulaer M, Saiz A, Verschuuren J, Gure AO, Graus F. SOX1 antibodies are makers of paraneoplastic Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Neurology 2008; 70:924-928.
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Related checklists

• Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS): causes
• Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS): variants