Korean J Pediatr.  2010 Apr;53(4):603-606. 10.3345/kjp.2010.53.4.603.

A case of paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis due to ovarian mature teratoma

• Kim SH
• Kim HY
• Im YT
• Nam SO
• Kim YM

• KMID: 2073590
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2010.53.4.603

Abstract

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, a remote effect of cancer without nervous system metastasis, is rare, especially in childhood. Here, we report a case of paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis associated with an ovarian mature teratoma in an adolescent girl. The 15-year-old girl developed neuropsychiatric symptoms, memory loss, seizures, and unconsciousness. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were normal, while single photon emission computed tomography imaging showed hypoperfusion in both temporal lobes. Ultrasound and MRI of the abdomen revealed a left ovarian cystic mass. The patient experienced a significant recovery of cognitive function after surgical resection of the tumor, which was pathologically identified as a mature ovarian teratoma, and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin.

Keyword

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis; Teratoma; Adolescent

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Adolescent
Brain
Female
Humans
Immunoglobulins
Limbic Encephalitis
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Memory Disorders
Neoplasm Metastasis
Nervous System
Ovarian Cysts
Seizures
Temporal Lobe
Teratoma
Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon
Unconsciousness
Immunoglobulins