Case report
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-motor neuron disease, monoclonal gammopathy, hyperparathyroidism, and B12 deficiency: case report and review of the literature
1 Neurology Consultants Medical Group, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Whittier, CA, USA
2 Department of Neurology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Journal of Medical Case Reports 2010, 4:298 doi:10.1186/1752-1947-4-298
Published: 1 September 2010Abstract
Introduction
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (the most common form of motor neuron disease) is a progressive and devastating disease involving both lower and upper motor neurons, typically following a relentless path towards death. Given the gravity of this diagnosis, all efforts must be made by the clinician to exclude alternative and more treatable entities. Frequent serology testing involves searching for treatable disorders, including vitamin B12 deficiency, parathyroid anomalies, and monoclonal gammopathies.
Case presentation
We present the case of a 78-year-old Caucasian man with all three of the aforementioned commonly searched for disorders during an investigation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Conclusions
The clinical utility of these common tests and what they ultimately mean in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is discussed, along with a review of the literature.
