Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis presenting respiratory failure as the sole initial manifestation

Abstract

It is rare that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) presents with respiratory failure as the sole initial manifestation. A 72-year-old man with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease developed exertional dyspnea for 13 months. He then progressed to limb weakness that led to the diagnosis of ALS. Although rare, ALS can present with respiratory failure as the sole initial manifestation more than 1 year prior to limb weakness.