Lambert–Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS), Immunology of

Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is an autoimmune disorder caused by antibodies to voltage-gated calcium channels in the presynaptic terminal at the neuromuscular junction. In one-half of LEMS patients, the disease is paraneoplastic and the autoantibodies are directed against small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) epitopes. LEMS patients with no SCLC have the same antibodies as LEMS patients with SCLC but with no apparent initiating event. Symptomatic and immunosuppressive therapy is given in accordance with pathogenetic knowledge.