A patient with worsening mobility: a diagnostic challenge

Abd A Tahrani, Susheel Sharma, Srinivasa Rangan, Andrew F Macleod

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Worsening mobility and "off legs" are common reasons to seek a medical opinion. A 62-year-old gentleman, previously fit and healthy, was referred to a district general hospital in the UK with worsening mobility. The initial clinical features were suggestive of Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS). Initial investigations were unremarkable apart from mild hypokalemia. Despite correction of the hypokalemia and immunoglobulin infusion, the patient's condition deteriorated. The presence of hypokalemia raised the possibility of underlying malignancy with ectopic ACTH secretion. A CT of the chest/abdomen showed a mediastinal mass. A post-mortem examination revealed a metastatic anaplastic pancreatic carcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in which MFS has occurred in association with pancreatic carcinoma. This case highlights that malignancy should be considered as a possibility in patients presenting with MFS and/or worsening mobility.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)292-4
Number of pages3
JournalEuropean Journal of Internal Medicine
Volume19
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diplopia
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mobility Limitation
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes
  • Case Reports
  • Journal Article

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A patient with worsening mobility: a diagnostic challenge'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this