A Resected Case of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Lung Associated with Subacute Cerebellar Degeneration

Abstract

A 59 year-old man was admitted to our department complaining of ataxia, astasia and nystagmus. Chest X-ray revealed a small mass shadow in the left lower lung field.Transbronchial brushing specimens showed small cell carcinoma. Cerebral CT scan showed no findings suggestive of metastasis.
Under a diagnosis of lung cancer with subacute cerebellar degeneration, left lower lobectomy with partial resection of S₅ was performed.
Preoperative plasmapheresis and steroid therapy were not effective, but improvement of cerebellar symptoms was seen for 1 week postoperatively. The histological diagnosis was intermediate type small cell carcinoma.