DIONYSIA GKOUGKA

Dr. DIONYSIA GKOUGKA

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 August 2023 in Pediatric Neurology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
DGDIONYSIA GKOUGKA
DIONYSIA GKOUGKA
CTChrysanthi Tsimakidi
Chrysanthi Tsimakidi
SMSpyridon Mesimvrinos
Spyridon Mesimvrinos
EVEleni Vekri
Eleni Vekri
CKCharalampos Kotsalis
Charalampos Kotsalis

8 November 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MGMaria Gontika
Maria Gontika
CTChrysanthi Tsimakidi
Chrysanthi Tsimakidi
ESEvdokia Salamou
Evdokia Salamou
TPTheofanis Prattos
Theofanis Prattos
KNKallias Nikolaos
Kallias Nikolaos
DGDIONYSIA GKOUGKA
DIONYSIA GKOUGKA
Pediatric seronegative immune-mediated cerebellar ataxia (IMCA) remains a poorly defined and often under-recognized diagnosis, particularly in young children, where symptoms are frequently misattributed to self-limited post-infectious processes. We report the case of a 2.5-year-old girl who presented with acute-onset ataxia (mSARA score: 14). Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed pleocytosis and positive oligoclonal bands, while serial brain imaging and extensive autoantibody panels were unremarkable. However, indirect immunohistochemistry (TIIF/IHC) demonstrated a positive intracellular signal in cerebellar Purkinje cells, supporting the diagnosis of isolated seronegative IMCA. The patient showed sustained clinical improvement with prolonged corticosteroid therapy (mSARA score: 1). To date, only a few similar cases have been reported in the literature. It remains unclear whether these presentations fall within the spectrum of autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) or represent a distinct pediatric phenotype, potentially expanding the age range of primary autoimmune cerebellar ataxia previously described in adults. We recommend incorporating TIIF/IHC into the diagnostic workup of both isolated and combined pediatric cerebellar ataxia syndromes to support diagnosis and guide individualized treatment. Additionally, neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are emerging as promising biomarkers in this context and warrant further investigation.