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  • Updated 04.23.2024
  • Released 09.02.1994
  • Expires For CME 04.23.2027

Paraneoplastic sensory neuronopathy

Introduction

Overview

Paraneoplastic sensory neuronopathy is a rare but potentially devastating complication of systemic neoplasms and is most commonly associated with small cell lung carcinoma (75). In some patients, the sensory neuronopathy is part of a multifocal encephalomyeloneuritis. The disorder is believed to arise from an autoimmune response directed against onconeural antigen(s) shared by tumor cells and primary sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia. Early identification of this syndrome and treatment of the underlying tumor can improve the likelihood of neurologic recovery, although most patients are severely and permanently disabled. The authors summarize the clinical presentation, autoimmune features, and treatment options for patients with paraneoplastic sensory neuronopathy.

Key points

• Paraneoplastic sensory neuronopathy (dorsal root ganglionitis) is most often associated with small cell lung carcinoma, breast and gynecologic cancers, and lymphoma (146).

• Paraneoplastic sensory neuronopathy may occur as part of a multifocal encephalomyeloneuritis or may be an isolated clinical syndrome.

• Paraneoplastic sensory neuronopathy is often disabling due to painful dysesthesias, profound loss of proprioception, and sensory gait ataxia.

• Most patients with paraneoplastic sensory neuronopathy and small cell lung cancer do not show significant neurologic improvement despite successful tumor treatment or immunosuppressive therapy, though there are some notable exceptions.

Historical note and terminology

In 1948 Denny-Brown reported two patients with sensory neuropathy in whom autopsy revealed severe neuronal loss in the dorsal root ganglia and a previously undiagnosed bronchial carcinoma (50).

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