Abstract
Background: Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) is caused by the axonal degeneration of motor and sensory fibers in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Case presentation: A 70-year-old man with interstitial pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension underwent lobectomy and lymphadenectomy for a 7-cm squamous cell carcinoma located at the 6th segment of the right lung. After surgery, respiratory management was required twice because of the exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia and MRSA pneumonia. Muscle weakness prolonged even after the removal of the respirator. In an electrophysiological study, the amplitude of motor nerve conduction, sensory nerve action potential, and nerve conduction velocity were reduced. These findings suggested CIP. Conclusion: The mortality rate associated with cases of exacerbated interstitial pneumonia after lobectomy for lung cancer is high. It is important to keep in mind that CIP may arise during intensive care, which affects activities of daily living.
