Respiratory failure as the presenting manifestation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience : Official Journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
Narat SrivaliJeffrey T Rabatin

Abstract

Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) does not directly affect the lung parenchyma, it can jeopardize the mechanical function of the respiratory system. About one-quarter of ALS patients have had at least one prior misdiagnosis. Therefore, a high clinical suspicion, and careful correlation of physical examination and electromyography (EMG) are needed to reach the correct diagnosis. We report a 65-year-old man who presented with a progressive exertional dyspnea. He was subsequently found to have a diaphragmatic paralysis that was felt to be secondary to spinal cord stenosis. However, his subsequent EMG showed evidence of muscle fasciculation and he was ultimately diagnosed with ALS.

References

Aug 1, 1996·Journal of the Neurological Sciences·J M Belsh, P L Schiffman
Jul 24, 2001·Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Motor Neuron Disorders : Official Publication of the World Federation of Neurology, Research Group on Motor Neuron Diseases·B R BrooksUNKNOWN World Federation of Neurology Research Group on Motor Neuron Diseases
Jul 10, 2002·Neurology·A ChiòUNKNOWN Piemonte and Valle d'Aosta Register for ALS (PARALS)
Aug 10, 2005·Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·Joshua O Benditt
Feb 1, 2008·Muscle & Nerve·Satoshi KuwabaraUNKNOWN Tokyo Metropolitan Neuromuscular Electrodiagnosis Study Group

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