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[Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration. A case report]
A Storstein1, C Vedeler, B Krossnes
1Nevrologisk avdeling, Haukeland Sykehus, Bergen.
Summary
Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, a rare cancer complication, was diagnosed in an 83-year-old woman. Anti-Yo antibodies indicated ovarian cancer and cerebellar Purkinje cell loss.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is a rare neurological disorder.
- It is often associated with ovarian and breast carcinomas.
- PCD presents with rapidly progressing pancerebellar symptoms.
Observation:
- An 83-year-old woman presented with progressive vertigo, cerebellar ataxia, nystagmus, and dysarthria.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed mononuclear pleocytosis, elevated protein and IgG, and oligoclonal bands.
- Initial MRI was normal; however, a left pelvic mass was detected.
Findings:
- Elevated cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) and presence of anti-Yo antibodies in serum and CSF.
- Anti-Yo antibodies suggested an ovarian carcinoma as the primary source.
- Autopsy confirmed left ovarian adenocarcinoma and significant Purkinje cell loss in the cerebellum.
Implications:
- Anti-Yo antibodies are valuable biomarkers for diagnosing PCD.
- These antibodies can also help identify the specific type of neoplasm, particularly ovarian cancer.
- This case highlights the diagnostic utility of serological markers in paraneoplastic syndromes.