Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration as the first evidence of cancer: A case report Journal Article


Authors: Liu, S.; Tunkel, R.; Lachmann, E.; Nagler, W.
Article Title: Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration as the first evidence of cancer: A case report
Abstract: Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is the most frequently seen paraneoplastic syndrome affecting the brain. PCD is most commonly associated with cancers of the ovary, breast, and lung. The anti-Purkinje cell antibodies (anti-Yo) that specifically damage the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum are found in the patient's serum and cerebrospinal fluid. The typical presentation of PCD includes limb and truncal ataxia, often along with dysarthria. This report describes the case of a 47-year-old woman without significant medical history who developed new onset of unsteady gait, headache, and vertigo. The imaging studies suggested rhombencephalitis. The patient initially responded to corticosteroid treatment. Unfortunately, her gait ataxia worsened and she developed dysarthria, neither of which responded to increasing dosages of corticorsteroids. Extensive imaging studies showed no evidence of tumor, but the patient was found to have positive anti-Yo antibodies and elevated cancer antigen 125 (CA-125). Pathology results from exploratory laparotomy revealed stage III C adenocarcinoma of the ovary. This case demonstrates that PCD may be the presenting symptom of an occult malignancy. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of PCD, and its rehabilitation implications, are reviewed. (C) 2000 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Keywords: adult; middle aged; case report; laparotomy; adenocarcinoma; ovarian neoplasms; ovary carcinoma; ca 125 antigen; rehabilitation; antibody detection; paraneoplastic syndrome; activities of daily living; clinical examination; immunopathogenesis; physical therapy modalities; paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration; paraneoplastic syndromes; cerebellum degeneration; humans; human; female; article
Journal Title: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume: 81
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0003-9993
Publisher: W.B. Saunders Co.  
Date Published: 2000-06-01
Start Page: 834
End Page: 836
Language: English
DOI: 10.1053/apmr.2000.6979
PUBMED: 10857534
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 18 November 2015 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Richard Tunkel
    15 Tunkel