Generalized and orofacial choreoathetosis: a case report of anti-CV2 paraneoplastic syndrome after cardiac arrest

Abstract

CV2/CRMP5 is the most common antibody accompaniment of paraneoplastic choreoathetosis. We present a case of paraneoplastic choreothetosis with associated cerebellar dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, and likely dysautonomia. Our patient developed a movement disorder after a cardiopulmonary arrest, which unfortunately masked the true etiology of his symptoms. He was later found to have extensive stage small cell lung cancer, with further evaluation revealing seropositivity for anti-CV2 antibodies. Choreoathetosis is a known sequelae of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, but clinicians should continue to keep an open mind. The utility of immunotherapy is unclear in these circumstances and many physicians adopt a symptom-based approach.

Keywords: CRMP5; CV2; case report; choreoathetosis; paraneoplastic.