[Lance-Adams syndrome in patient with anoxic encephalopathy in the course of bronchial asthma].

Lance-Adams syndrome, described in 1963, is caused by anoxia of central nervous system, generally in the course of primary respiratory failure. It is characterized mainly by action myoclonus, associated cerebellar ataxia and very mild intellectual deficit. Occurrence of Lance-Adams syndrome is rare; about 100 cases have been described yet. The authors present the case of Lance-Adams syndrome in 36-year-old woman with many years' bronchial asthma. Three times acute cardiopulmonary arrest appeared during status asthmaticus. After successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation action myoclonus developed with cerebellar syndrome, aphonia, dysphagia and generalized convulsive seizures of tonic-clonic type. Electroencephalography showed polyspikes and complex of polyspikes-slow wave, synchronized with myoclonus. CT of the brain was normal. Action myoclonus responded appropriately to sodium valproate. The authors indicate the importance of the correct diagnosis and proper treatment.