Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration in a patient with ovarian cancer

Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Jun;54(3):313-5. doi: 10.1016/j.tjog.2014.03.012.

Abstract

Objective: Herein, we report a case of ovarian serous carcinoma with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration.

Case report: A 44-year-old female presented to our hospital with dizziness, slurred speech, and ataxic gait. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was normal. A lumbar puncture revealed a normal cell count in the cerebrospinal fluid, but slightly elevated protein. Her serum cancer antigen -125 level was high (2126.4 U/mL), and abdominal computed tomography disclosed a pelvic mass measuring 11 cm in diameter. Exploratory laparotomy was then performed, and a frozen section of the tumor revealed serous carcinoma.

Conclusion: According to the surgical findings and pathological report, The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage IIIC, Grade 3, serous-type ovarian cancer was diagnosed. Due to the abovementioned symptoms and signs, we performed a serial test to document the presence of anti-Yo antibody in this patient.

Keywords: anti-Yo antibody; ovarian cancer; paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma / complications*
  • Carcinoma / pathology
  • Carcinoma / surgery
  • Dizziness / etiology
  • Female
  • Gait Ataxia / etiology
  • Humans
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / analysis
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / complications*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System / etiology*
  • Speech Disorders / etiology

Substances

  • CDR2 protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins