Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis as presenting manifestation of small cell carcinoma lung

摘要

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is an unusual manifestation of systemic malignancy. It has been mainly reported with lung cancers and lymphoproliferative malignancy. LETM in systemic malignancy can be caused by either intramedullary metastases or paraneoplastic syndrome. We report an unusual case of small-cell carcinoma lung, who presented with LETM without having any cardinal manifestations of lung malignancy. This case report highlights the important differentiating features between intramedullary metastasis and paraneoplastic syndrome.