Ezel Yaltırık BİLGİN, Özkan ÜNAL
Turkish Journal of Neurology - 2026;32(1):103-105
Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by progressive ataxia due to the destruction of cerebellar Purkinje cells. It is a nonmetastatic systemic complication of cancer. In addition to ataxia, it may cause symptoms such as vertigo, nausea, and nystagmus. Symptoms may appear before, simultaneously with, or during the follow-up after a cancer diagnosis. Although most commonly associated with breast, gynecological, and small cell lung cancers, PCD can occur with all types of malignancies. Antibodies generated against tumor antigens may cross-react with Purkinje cells and other cerebellar neurons, leading to the manifestation of symptoms. Herein, we presented a female patient diagnosed with PCD following the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, accompanied by progressive cerebellar degeneration and ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were discussed in light of current literature.
