Hodgkin’s lymphoma presenting with an unusual horizontal Nystagmus and vertigo

Abstract

Neurological presentation of paraneoplastic syndromes is rare. They are often difficult to diagnose, especially when they precede the diagnosis of cancer. Hodgkin's lymphoma is associated with several paraneoplastic neurological syndromes such as cerebellar degeneration and dermato/polymyositis. Peripheral vestibular syndrome is uncommon presentation of these paraneoplastic syndromes. We report the case of a 52-year-old man with no prior medical history who presented to the otolaryngology clinic with vertigo precipitated by nystagmus, nausea and weight loss. Diagnostic workup revealed a nodular sclerosing variant of Hodgkin's lymphoma without paraneoplastic antibodies. The patient’s symptoms resolved after institution of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and vestibular rehabilitation. Hodgkin's lymphoma has been reported to be associated with many paraneoplastic syndromes with neurological presentation in which peripheral vestibular syndrome is an uncommon one. Sometimes it can be the only presenting symptom of an unknown Hodgkin's lymphoma. This create a real diagnostic challenge for clinicians specially when paraneoplastic antibodies are negative. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy as treatment of the underlying disease is of a big benefit if started as early as possible.