Cerebellar ataxia as a presentation of asymptomatic ovarian teratoma – enigmatic case report 

Ahuja, A1, McClintock, JE1, Verghese, T1 | Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust

 

Objectives:

Raise awareness of ovarian teratomas as a hidden cause of neurological decline. 

Demystify diagnostic challenges in paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS).

Advocate for early suspicion to prevent irreversible neurological damage.

 

 

Diagnostic Pitfalls & Key Takeaways

 

 

 

Despite negative standard PNS antibody tests, clinical stabilisation/improvement after tumor removal supports the diagnosis.

 

Delays = Possible worsening neurological decline

 

This case underscores the need for:

 

 

 

 

Remember :

 

• Think Beyond the Obvious
  Atypical neurological symptoms demand broad differentials—even rare causes like ovarian teratoma.
• Don’t Dismiss the Outliers
  When a patient doesn’t fit the diagnostic criteria, expand the diagnostic lens.
• Women’s Health Matters in Neurology
  Sudden neuropsychiatric symptoms in women should trigger evaluation for gynecological sources.
• Follow the Antibodies
  NMDA receptor antibodies may be the only clue pointing to NMDA-R encephalitis and a hidden teratoma.
• Paraneoplastic Syndromes = Black Box
  There's still so much we don’t understand—more research is critical.
• Timely Access Saves Lives
  Delays in care = delays in diagnosis. Healthcare access is not optional—it's essential.