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What is paraneoplastic subacute sensory neuronopathy (SSN)?
Sudden onset and rapid progression of dysesthesia, paresthesia, and lancinating pain and numbness in all limbs and occasionally the trunk and face are the characteristics of SSN.
Almost 75% of these patients have small-cell lung carcinoma, but other malignancies such as prostate cancer, neuroblastoma, and seminoma have also been associated with paraneoplastic subacute sensory neuronopathy.
Some patients with this syndrome may have one or several of the following autonomic dysfunctions: orthostatic hypotension, tonic pupils, hypohidrosis, dry mouth, diminished lacrimation, impotence, urinary retention, and constipation.
Serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with this syndrome frequently contain antineuronal nuclear antibody (ANNA-1 or anti-Hu).
Treatment of the underlying tumor may result in the partial alleviation of autonomic and somatic symptoms.
Sources
Titulaer MJ, Lang B, Verschuuren JJ: Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: from clinical characteristics to therapeutic strategies. Lancet Neurol 10:1098, 2011.
