Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis as the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Authors

  • Francisco Buendía-Santiago Cardiology Service, Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5335-7693
  • María José Conesa-Espejo Health Center La Aljorra, Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
  • Antonio Meseguer-Hernández Cardiology Service, Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1924-6832
  • María del Carmen Velasco-Alcázar Neumology Service, Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0057-1677
  • Matías Cegarra-Clares Neurology Service, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Murcia, Murcia, Spain https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6747-6746

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32818/reccmi.a8n2a13

Keywords:

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, respiratory paralysis, diaphragm, dyspnea, motor neurons

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the third most common neurodegenerative disease in Spain. Atypical onset makes early diagnosis of this disease extremely difficult. We present the case of a 73-year-old man with dyspnea on moderate exertion for his past 6 months. Elevation of the right hemidiaphragm was the only finding. After several months without an aetiological diagnosis, he presented “tics” in all four limbs, with fasciculations, hyperreflexia and generalised muscle weakness. The electromyogram showed findings compatible with pure motor neuronopathy of diffuse distribution and chronic evolution. Finally, a diagnosis of ALS was made.

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References

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Published

2023-08-31

How to Cite

1.
Buendía-Santiago F, Conesa-Espejo MJ, Meseguer-Hernández A, Velasco-Alcázar M del C, Cegarra-Clares M. Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis as the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Rev Esp Casos Clin Med Intern [Internet]. 2023 Aug. 31 [cited 2024 May 20];8(2):101-4. Available from: https://www.reccmi.com/RECCMI/article/view/862

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