Respiratory distress resulting from a neuromuscular disorder is often misdiagnosed and not managed properly until development of severe respiratory failure. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare but archetypical motor neuron disease. Most cases manifest as weakness, muscular atrophy, and progressive paralysis of the limbs. Late stage of the disease is characterized by respiratory failure due to respiratory muscle weakness. In a few cases, 3% of patients, respiratory failure is the initial presentation, preceding other symptoms. We report on a case of ALS accompanied by acute respiratory failure and weaning failure, with a review of the literature.

• 조상우(중앙보훈병원 내과) | Sang Woo Cho
• 안수경(중앙보훈병원 내과) | Su Kyoung An
• 김원중(중앙보훈병원 내과) | One Zoong Kim
• 조성하(중앙보훈병원 내과) | Soung Ha Cho
• 임동민(중앙보훈병원 내과) | Dong Min Lim
• 노용호(중앙보훈병원 내과) | Yong Ho Roh Corresponding Author