Encephalitis associated with Anti-n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antibodies. Case report.

Abstract

Encephalitis associated with anti—N—methyl—D—aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibodies is an autoimmune neurological condition recently recognized in 2007. It mainly affects young adults—especially women—and children. A large percentage is associated with tumour processes. Patients develop neuropsychiatric symptoms in a rapid and sequential way and they have convulsive crises that rapidly result in decreasing levels of consciousness, mutism, catatonia and abnormal movements. It is a potentially reversible condition and the seriousness of its effects will depend on how soon the patient receives treatment. This paper describes the case of a young patient who initially displayed self—injurious behaviour and had hallucinations. Later, he had memory and language impairment, behavioral disorders, seizures and anti—NMDA receptor antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid. He had a favourable response to immunoglobulins and corticosteroids with control and stabilization of the disease.