Cerebellar ataxia associated with high levels of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies

We present, with a review of the relevant literature, the case of a 27-year -old woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus free of long-term complications wh o presented with vertigo and imbalance. Clinical exam showed evidence of ce rebellar dysfunction, and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated cerebella r atrophy. Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies were detected in ver y high titers, and with all other causes of cerebellar atrophy being ruled out, the diagnosis of cerebellar atrophy associated with glutamic acid deca rboxylase autoantibodies as previously described in the literature was made . After a review of the literature, we believe that this is the first repor t of this unusual condition in a young patient with type 1 diabetes mellitu s.