Statin-associated cerebellar ataxia. A Brazilian case series

Abstract

Background: Drug-induced cerebellar ataxias (DICA) represent an important group of secondary cerebellar ataxias. Herein, we reported a case series of progressive cerebellar ataxia induced by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins).

Methods: Observational study with a Brazilian case series of patients with cerebellar ataxia due to statins use.

Results: We described four patients with cerebellar ataxia, predominantly gait ataxia, due to statins use. Mean age was 67.5 years old, predominantly male, with several comorbidities, such as dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and myocardial revascularization. After statin withdrawal, and treatment with coenzyme Q10 in some patients, progressive improvement of gait ataxia was observed.

Discussion: We presented a case series of four patients with cerebellar ataxia due to statins use, which represents a new rare side-effect of statins, probably related to coenzyme Q10 deficiency.

Keywords: Acquired cerebellar ataxias; Cerebellar ataxia; HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors; Secondary ataxias; Statins.