Diagnosis and literature review of paraneoplastic neurological syndrome manifestation with stiff-person syndrome

Objective To explore the diagnostic features of paraneoplstic syndrome(PNS) presented with stiff-person syndrome(SPS). Methods One patient with SPS caused by tumor was diagnosed as paraneoplastic neurological syndrome.The relevant literatures were reviewed. Results One patient was mainly presented with rigidity, muscular spasm and epilepsy; the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) protein content and CSF cell count were normal.The anti-potassium channel antibody, anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody, anti-glutamate decarboxylase antibody and anti-herpes simplex virus antibody were all negative.The electromyography revealed continuous motor unit activity.The sphenoid ridge meningoma was found on cerebral enhanced MR.Mild cervical disc herniation was presented on cervical spine MR.Chest CT showed multiple swollen lymph nodes in mediastinal and supradavicular and the pathologic result of the supraclavicular lymph node showed metastatic small cell cancer. Conclusions For patients presented as SMS without particular causes, the general examinations, especially the chest examinations are essential for diagnosis. Key words: Paraneoplastic syndromes, nervolls system; Stiff-person syndrome; Diagnosis