What is Lambert-Eaton syndrome?

a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle weakness of the limbs

What are the main clinical features of Lambert-Eaton syndrome?

• repeated muscle contractions lead to increased muscle strength (in contrast to myasthenia gravis)
• limb-girdle weakness (affects lower limbs first)
• hyporeflexia
• autonomic symptoms: dry mouth, impotence, difficulty micturating

What is the management of Lambert-Eaton syndrome?

• treatment of underlying cancer
• immunosuppression, for example with prednisolone and/or azathioprine
• intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and plasma exchange may be beneficial

What is the pathophysiology of Lambert-Eaton syndrome?

an antibody directed against presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channel in the peripheral nervous system

What are the main associations of Lambert-Eaton syndrome?

small cell lung cancer and to a lesser extent breast and ovarian cancer