Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis: ovarian cancer presenting as an amnesic syndrome.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) is a rare neurologic manifestation of malignancy. Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis typically presents with short-term memory loss, seizures, or other limbic system abnormalities. The majority of PLE cases are associated with lung and testicular cancer.

CASE:

We present the first case of PLE attributable to an epithelial ovarian cancer. The 58-year-old woman presented with rapidly progressing short-term memory loss and amnesia. The diagnosis of ovarian cancer was suspected on the basis of computed tomography scan findings. The patient showed dramatic clinical improvement within 2 weeks of debulking surgery and after the initiation of plasmapheresis and chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION:

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis is a rare complication of ovarian tumors that is potentially reversible with prompt surgical management of the primary tumor, plasmapheresis, and chemotherapy.

• Authors: Michael H Bloch, Wei Chan Hwang, Joachim M Baehring, Setsuko K Chambers
• Journal: Obstetrics and gynecology (Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 104 Issue 5 Pt 2 Pg. 1174-7 (Nov 2004) ISSN: 0029-7844 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15516442 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Amnesia (diagnosis)
• Biopsy, Needle
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Cystadenocarcinoma, Papillary (pathology, surgery)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Immunotherapy (methods)
• Limbic Encephalitis (diagnosis, therapy)
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Staging
• Ovarian Neoplasms (pathology, surgery)
• Ovariectomy (methods)
• Paraneoplastic Syndromes (diagnosis, therapy)
• Plasmapheresis (methods)
• Risk Assessment
• Treatment Outcome