Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis

Am J Med Sci. 2013 Jun;345(6):491-3. doi: 10.1097/MAJ.0b013e3182760e3b.

Abstract

A case of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis with an atypical finding of transient increased intracranial pressure is reported. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is an underrecognized, novel and treatable form of encephalitis being increasingly identified as an explanation of encephalitis in young adults. Management of these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach involving neurologists, internists, nursing and rehabilitation staff. It is important for internists to recognize this condition and consider it in the differential diagnosis of encephalopathy. Internists also need to be familiar with the clinical manifestations and the treatment of the disease as they have an important role in the care of these patients during their prolonged stay in the hospital. Increased intracranial pressure is an atypical and underrecognized finding that has been only noted in a previous review on this disorder. It may present a diagnostic or management challenge in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / diagnosis*
  • Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / immunology
  • Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / therapy*
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Antibodies / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Immunotherapy
  • Intracranial Hypertension / diagnosis*
  • Intracranial Hypertension / immunology
  • Intracranial Hypertension / therapy*
  • Male
  • Plasmapheresis
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / immunology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Antibodies
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate