Lance-Adams syndrome: Case series and literature review

• Published in: Brain disorders Vol. 11; p. 100086
• Main Authors: Zheng, Judy, McCleary, Zachary, Al-Chalabi, Mustafa, Gharaibeh, Khaled, Sheikh, Ajaz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.09.2023; Elsevier
• ISSN: 2666-4593; 2666-4593
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dscb.2023.100086

•Lance-Adam is an incredibly rare complication of successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).•Electroencephalogram (EEG) can be vital in the diagnosis of LAS and allow for better prognostication and management in patients with post hypoxic myoclonus.•Polyspike-wave discharges were noted primarily or maximally at the vertex in our 5 cases of LAS.•Multiple anti-seizure medications are often required in the management of LAS.•Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities are not specific in LAS. Lance-Adams Syndrome (LAS) is an incredibly rare complication of successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It is a form of posthypoxic myoclonus characterized by action or intention myoclonus developing days to months after an hypoxic insult to the brain. LAS, especially early in a patient's clinical course, can be challenging to diagnose. In this case series, all of the patients presented after achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and subsequently developed myoclonus. Electroencephalogram (EEG) findings later showed changes consistent with LAS in all 5 patients. Our cases highlight the EEG characteristics that can be seen in LAS, which can aid in the diagnosis of LAS, as well as long term treatment outcomes of the LAS. We also reviewed the available literature to better understand the prevalence, mechanism, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of LAS.