Anti-GABAB receptor encephalitis in a patient with gastric adenocarcinoma

Neurol Sci. 2018 Nov;39(11):1981-1984. doi: 10.1007/s10072-018-3536-6. Epub 2018 Aug 14.

Abstract

Anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-B (GABAB) receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune encephalitis associated with antibodies against neuronal cell surface antigens, which are primarily observed with small-cell lung cancer, melanoma, and thymoma. Here, we first report a case on the association between a relatively frequent cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), and a rare GABAB receptor antibody limbic encephalitis. The patient was treated with immunotherapy and combined-drug chemotherapy, which were partially effective in terms of stabilizing the tumor and relieving neurological symptoms. This report indicates that, when patients present with GABAB receptor antibody limbic encephalitis, regular and broad screening for tumors including gastric adenocarcinoma should also be considered.

Keywords: Autoimmune encephalitis; Chemotherapy,; GABAB receptor; Gastric adenocarcinoma; Immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / complications*
  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Aged
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / pathology
  • Encephalitis / complications*
  • Encephalitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Encephalitis / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Receptors, GABA-B / genetics
  • Receptors, GABA-B / immunology*
  • Receptors, GABA-B / metabolism
  • Stomach Neoplasms / complications*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Receptors, GABA-B