Paraneoplastic Subacute Sensory Neuronopathy

**Semantic type:** Disease or Syndrome

**Definition:** A sensory neuropathy caused by the effects of a distant neoplasm (usually a small cell carcinoma). It is usually caused by the production of anti-neuronal autoantibodies: anti-Hu (ANNA-1) or anti-CV2 (CRMP-5), which result in cytotoxic T-cell mediated destruction of dorsal root ganglia. It is the most common clinical presentation of paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis. Clinical signs include asymmetric paresthesia of the face, trunk and proximal extremities followed by lancinating pain, vibrioceptive and proprioceptive impairment, and muted reflexes. Clinical course usually follows a progressive neurologic deterioration which stabilizes at a level of severe, permanent disability.

**Synonyms:** - Paraneoplastic Subacute Sensory Neuropathy