Non-paraneoplastic voltage-gated calcium channels antibody-mediated cerebellar ataxia responsive to IVIG treatment

Abstract

Non-paraneoplastic cerebellar ataxia associated with voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) antibodies is a rare entity with only few cases reported in literature. We describe a 60year-old man with subacute cerebellar ataxia and subclinical Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in whom VGCC antibodies were detected at high titer in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Screening for underlying malignancies was negative. Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment led to the improvement of clinical picture and reduction of serum antibody titer over a 13-month follow-up period. We emphasize that VGCC antibodies should be included in the diagnostic work-up of patients with subacute cerebellar ataxia and that treatment with IVIG can improve the clinical picture and prevent disability.