Successful treatment of subacute cerebellar degeneration in ovarian carcinoma with plasmapheresis. A case report

Cancer. 1985 Nov 1;56(9):2318-20. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(19851101)56:9<2318::aid-cncr2820560930>3.0.co;2-9.

Abstract

Subacute cerebellar degeneration is a rare complication of some neoplasms, and is generally resistant to therapy. A case of subacute cerebellar degeneration in a 50-year-old woman with a Stage II grade 3 serous ovarian adenocarcinoma is reported. The onset of the neurologic symptoms preceded the diagnosis of cancer and progressively worsened during and after four cycles of chemotherapy. A quick, partial improvement of the neurologic syndrome was documented after three weekly treatments with plasmapheresis. The contribution of circulating factors in inducing subacute cerebellar degeneration can be postulated. A trial using this new type of treatment should be performed in patients who have this therapeutically refractory clinical condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Cerebellar Diseases / etiology
  • Cerebellar Diseases / pathology
  • Cerebellar Diseases / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Degeneration*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / complications*
  • Plasmapheresis*