Neurologic complications of ovarian carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Neurologic complications of ovarian carcinoma are uncommon and to the authors' knowledge the full spectrum has not been delineated previously.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the findings of 121 neurologic consultations on 83 ovarian carcinoma patients between 1993 and 1996; this represents 4% of all ovarian carcinoma patients seen at the study institution in this time period.

RESULTS

The most common reasons for consultation were altered mental status, pain, weakness, numbness, headache, and seizure. Twenty-seven consultations diagnosed metastatic disease, 14 diagnosed cerebrovascular disease, and 4 diagnosed paraneoplastic syndromes; however, iatrogenic complications (n=38) comprised the majority of diagnoses. Greater than 50% of patients improved neurologically after diagnosis and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurologic disease accompanying ovarian carcinoma may be more common and more diverse than recognized previously. Definitive neurologic diagnosis and treatment benefits the majority of patients.