Paraneoplastic Autonomic Neuropathy Questions & Answers

Updated: Oct 16, 2019
  • Author: Stacy E Dixon, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: Tarakad S Ramachandran, MBBS, MBA, MPH, FAAN, FACP, FAHA, FRCP, FRCPC, FRS, LRCP, MRCP, MRCS  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is autoimmune paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

What are the diagnostic criteria for paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNSs)?

What is the pathophysiology of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNSs)?

What is the role of anti-ganglionic acetylcholine receptor antibodies in the pathophysiology of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNSs)?

What is the role of anti-Hu antibodies in the pathophysiology of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNSs)?

What is the role of anti-NMDA receptor antibodies in the pathophysiology of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNSs)?

What is the role of anti-voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) antibodies in the pathophysiology of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNSs)?

What is the role of paraneoplastic antibodies in the pathophysiology of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNSs)?

What is the prevalence of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy in the US?

What is the global prevalence of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

What is the morbidity and mortality associated with paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

What are the racial predilections of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

What are the sexual predilections of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

Which age group has the highest prevalence of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

Which physical findings are characteristic of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

What causes paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Paraneoplastic Autonomic Neuropathy?

Workup

What is the role of lab testing in the workup of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

What is the role of EMG/NCV studies in the workup of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

Which histologic findings are characteristic of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

Treatment

How is malignancy treated in patients with paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

How are autoimmune processes treated in patients with paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

How is autonomic failure treated in patients with paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

How is paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy treated?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

Which dietary modifications are used in the treatment of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

Follow-up

What is included in the long-term monitoring of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

When is inpatient care indicated for the treatment of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

How is paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy prevented?

What are the possible complications of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?

What is the prognosis of paraneoplastic autonomic neuropathy?