Neuromyopathy Associated With a Malignant Carcinoid Tumor

Abstract

Introduction The association of neuromuscular disorders with malignant tumors has been the subject of increasing comment.¹ Because many of these neuromuscular disorders do not manifest themselves clinically or pathologically as an uncomplicated neuritis or a myositis but as a mixture of the two, the term, carcinomatous neuromyopathy, appears more appropriate.² While this association has been noted most frequently with carcinoma of the lung and breast, it has been recognized to occur in many other types of malignancy as well. However, the coexistence of a neuromyopathy and a carcinoid tumor has not to our knowledge been previously noted. This report describes a patient with a confirmed intestinal carcinoid tumor and a severe neuromyopathy. Report of Case The patient, a 60-year-old white woman, was seen in the University Hospital for the first time in May, 1961. She complained of aching pain in the back, spine, knees, and wrists. She had