Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration: neurological symptoms pointing to occult ovarian cancer

Gynecol Obstet Invest. 2001;52(2):145-6. doi: 10.1159/000052961.

Abstract

Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration with anti-Yo antibodies is a rare but disabling neurodegenerative disease that may point to an occult ovarian cancer. Symptoms usually accompanying paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration include truncal and limb ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, nystagmus, vertigo, and diplopia. The pathogenesis of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes is unknown. Treatment results of the neurological symptoms are disappointing. The present case illustrates how neurological symptoms pointed to an occult ovarian cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Unknown Primary / complications*
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery
  • Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration / etiology*