Paraneoplastic Gastro-Intestinal Anti-Hu Syndrome in Neuroblastoma

The anti-Hu syndrome is a well-known paraneoplastic syndrome and may be rarely seen in patients with neuroblastoma. However, it is relatively unknown that anti-Hu antibodies call cause gastrointestinal signs and symptoms. We report on a child with neuroblastoma who presented with gastro-intestinal disturbances as a result of the anti-HU syndrome and summaries two similar case reports reported in literature. Neuroblastoma patients with gastrointestinal disturbances, ranging from constipation to a paralytic ileus, might suffer from the gastro-intestinal anti-HU syndrome. The causative antibodies call be determined to diagnose or exclude this syndrome, and successful treatment is possible. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:396-398. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.