Auto-immune anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: A two-case report

Authors

  • Jorge André Soares Abreu Ferreira Serviço de Pediatria, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
  • Sara Cecilia Carneiro Peixoto Serviço de Pediatria, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
  • Inês Conceição Cancelo Carrilho Unidade de Neuropediatria, Centro Materno Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto
  • Vânia Sofia Vicente Martins Serviço de Pediatria, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6108.2018.2.29534

Keywords:

encephalitis, anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, seizures, movement disorders.

Abstract

AIMS: To report two cases with different presentations of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis, a newly identified autoimmune disease characterized by consciousness changes, memory deficit, seizures, autonomic dysfunction and movement disorders.

CASES DESCRIPTION: A six-year-old female, who presented with dystonic and choreoathetoid movements with refusal to walk. A 17-year-old male, presented with behavioral changes, retrograde amnesia and seizures. Electroencephalogram and brain magnetic resonance imaging did not show any significant findings. Anti-NMDAR antibodies were positive in cerebrospinal fluid in both cases and in serum in the first patient. Methylprednisolone, immunoglobulin and rituximab were given at different intervals. Both had a recurrence about six months later, with recovery at the end of one and a half year of the diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS: Anti-NMDAR encephalitis should be considered in patients with sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are major prognostic factors.

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References

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Published

2018-02-27

How to Cite

Ferreira, J. A. S. A., Peixoto, S. C. C., Carrilho, I. C. C., & Martins, V. S. V. (2018). Auto-immune anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: A two-case report. Scientia Medica, 28(2), ID29534. https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6108.2018.2.29534

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 2 (2018)

Section

Case Reports

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