Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis and ovarian teratomas: is there any association?

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 124-131
Author(s):  
N.M. Podzolkova ◽  
◽  
V.V. Korennaya ◽  
O.S. Levin ◽  
E.E. Vasenina ◽  
...  

This article aims to explore the problem of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis and also describes our own experience in treating anti-NMDAR encephalitis in patients with ovarian teratomas. This pathological condition is a rare complication of cancer. Practicing gynecologists are often unfamiliar with it, although its consequences can be life-threatening. Early diagnosis and causal treatment, particularly teratoma removal, are critical for the outcome and can prevent death or the development of neurological deficits in patients. Key words: anti-NMDAR, autoimmune encephalitis, ovarian cysts, complications, ovarian teratoma, encephalitis, encephalitis in women

BMC Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Jiang ◽  
Jianpeng Ma ◽  
Tao Gong ◽  
Hongjun Hao ◽  
Haibo Chen

Abstract Background Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a severe and most common autoimmune encephalitis in patients under 40 years old. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis has various clinical and neuroimaging findings. Here we report a special case of an anti-NMDAR encephalitis who had diffuse lesions in bilateral hemispheres with mild mass effects in left basal ganglia area. Case presentations A 28-year-old female anti-NMDAR encephalitis patient mainly presented with headache and fever. Brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed slightly contrasted diffuse lesions, involving the left temporal and frontal lobes, left basal ganglia area and splenium of corpus callosum, as well as the right frontal lobe, with mild edema surrounded in the left basal ganglia area. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed a moderate pleocytosis with normal protein and glucose levels. Anti-NMDAR antibodies were identified in CSF. Transvaginal ovarian ultrasound did not reveal an ovarian teratoma. The patient was treated with immunoglobulin and steroid, and had a good recovery. Conclusions Anti-NMDAR encephalitis has no special clinical manifestations and brain MRI is highly variable, which could be unremarkable or abnormal involving white and grey matters. The extensive lesions in frontal and temporal lobes, and basal ganglia area, with mild mass effects, have not been described previously. Recognition of various changes in brain MRI will enable the early detection of anti-NMDAR antibody and then effective treatments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (20) ◽  
pp. 10911
Author(s):  
Cheng-Yang Wu ◽  
Jiann-Der Wu ◽  
Chien-Chin Chen

Ovarian teratomas are by far the most common ovarian germ cell tumor. Most teratomas are benign unless a somatic transformation occurs. The designation of teratoma refers to a neoplasm that differentiates toward somatic-type cell populations. Recent research shows a striking association between ovarian teratomas and anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis, a rare and understudied paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS). Among teratomas, mature teratomas are thought to have a greater relevance with those neurological impairments. PNS is described as a neurologic deficit triggered by an underlying remote tumor, whereas anti-NMDAR encephalitis is characterized by a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome and the presence of autoantibodies in cerebral spinal fluid against the GluN1 subunit of the NMDAR. This review aims to summarize recent reports on the association between anti-NMDAR encephalitis and ovarian teratoma. In particular, the molecular pathway of pathogenesis and the updated mechanism and disease models would be discussed. We hope to provide an in-depth review of this issue and, therefore, to better understand its epidemiology, diagnostic approach, and treatment strategies.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Jiang ◽  
Jianpeng Ma ◽  
Tao Gong ◽  
Hongjun Hao ◽  
Haibo Chen

Abstract Background Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a severe and most common autoimmune encephalitis in patients under 40 years old. The anti-NMDAR encephalitis has various clinical and neuroimaging findings. Here we report a special anti-NMDAR encephalitis patient who had diffuse lesions in bilateral hemispheres with mild mass effects in left basal ganglia area. Case presentations A 28-year-old female anti-NMDAR encephalitis patient mainly presented with headache and fever. Brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed slightly contrasted diffuse lesions, involving the left temporal and frontal lobes, left basal ganglia area and splenium of corpus callosum, and the right frontal lobe, with mild edema surrounded in the left basal ganglia area. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed a moderate pleocytosis with normal protein and glucose levels. Anti-NMDAR antibodies were identified in CSF. Transvaginal ovarian ultrasound did not reveal an ovarian teratoma. The patient was treated with immunoglobulin and steroid, and had a good recovery. Conclusions The anti-NMDAR encephalitis has no special clinical manifestations and brain MRI is highly variable, which could be unremarkable or abnormal involving white and grey matters. The extensive lesions in frontal and temporal lobes, and basal ganglia area, with mild mass effects, have not been described previously. The recognition of various changes in brain MRI will enable the early detection of anti-NMDAR antibody and then effective treatments.


2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (04) ◽  
pp. 253-256
Author(s):  
A. Barth ◽  
I. Nassenstein ◽  
R.B. Tröbs ◽  
A. Tannapfel ◽  
H. Dercks ◽  
...  

AbstractN-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a rare antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis often associated with an ovarian teratoma in adolescent females. Here we present a 17-year-old girl with only and unusual psychiatric symptoms as part of her NMDAR encephalitis in combination with a very small ovarian teratoma suspected by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and finally histologically confirmed. We further review the literature of NMDAR encephalitis in combination with an ovarian teratoma and discuss the recommended radiological workup in children with a suspected ovarian tumor.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khushminder Chahal ◽  
Tara Endeman ◽  
Sarah Scapinello ◽  
Michal Sapieha

Abstract Background Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder which often presents with neuropsychiatric symptoms. A large proportion of cases are associated with an identifiable tumor, most commonly ovarian teratoma. However, recent literature has also described an overlap of anti-NMDAR encephalitis and demyelinating syndromes. Cases have been reported of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in patients with ADEM, optic neuritis, myelitis and multiple sclerosis. This link is considered rare, however has important clinical implications as treatments and prognosis may differ. Case presentation A 33-year-old female with a history of multiple sclerosis presented with new-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms. After substance-induced psychosis was ruled out, she was admitted to the medical ward for work up of psychosis secondary to multiple sclerosis. However, the consultation-liaison psychiatry service noted atypical symptoms which were concerning for autoimmune encephalitis. Admission to a psychiatric inpatient ward was deferred. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis was diagnosed with CSF analysis demonstrating lymphocytic pleocytosis and anti-NMDAR antibodies. In addition to first-line treatment of encephalitis with steroids, second-line immunotherapies were also implemented given the patient’s underlining demyelinating syndrome. The patient’s neurologic and psychiatric symptoms began to improve. Conclusions There is literature to demonstrate a possible connection between anti-NMDAR encephalitis and demyelinating syndromes. As such, autoimmune encephalitis should be considered in patients with multiple sclerosis presenting with atypical symptoms. Determining the correct diagnosis is crucial to inform the appropriate treatment protocol, and to improve prognosis.


2021 ◽  
pp. 17-23
Author(s):  
Koji Obara ◽  
Tomoko Ono ◽  
Itaru Toyoshima

In anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis, progressive cerebellar atrophy potentially leads to severe sequelae. We encountered a patient with anti-NMDAR antibody encephalitis who showed a decrease of blood flow in the cerebellum. A 15-year-old girl presented with consciousness disturbance. Influenza encephalopathy was suspected, and she was treated with glucocorticoid pulse therapy, high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins, and plasma exchange sequentially. She subsequently underwent left oophorectomy due to the presence of anti-NMDAR antibodies and a left ovarian teratoma. In spite of the surgery, her neuropsychiatric symptoms persisted, and she recovered slowly after the introduction of oral methotrexate (MTX). Sequential cerebral blood flow monitoring with single-photon emission computed tomography showed marked cerebellar hypoperfusion. Although mild impairments including working memory and verbal fluency persisted, she eventually returned to high school 3 years after onset. Profound cerebellar hypoperfusion including lobules VI and VII may be the reason for her working memory impairment and speaking problems. Oral MTX may be a promising alternative treatment for some refractory cases of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.


2010 ◽  
Vol 49 (19) ◽  
pp. 2167-2173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoko Tachibana ◽  
Takashi Shirakawa ◽  
Keiko Ishii ◽  
Yukitoshi Takahashi ◽  
Keiko Tanaka ◽  
...  

Cureus ◽  
2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javaad Ahmad ◽  
Muhammad Saad Sohail ◽  
Amina Khan ◽  
Ahmed H Qavi ◽  
Pramod Gaudel ◽  
...  

2011 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kieran J. Frawley ◽  
Maria A. Calvo-Garcia ◽  
Darcy A. Krueger ◽  
Richard L. McMasters

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shikma Keller ◽  
Pablo Roitman ◽  
Tamir Ben-Hur ◽  
Omer Bonne ◽  
Amit Lotan

Anti-NMDA receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a recently identified autoimmune disorder with prominent psychiatric symptoms. Patients usually present with acute behavioral change, psychosis, catatonic symptoms, memory deficits, seizures, dyskinesias, and autonomic instability. In female patients an ovarian teratoma is often identified. We describe a 32-year-old woman who presented with acute psychosis. Shortly after admission, she developed generalized seizures and deteriorated into a catatonic state. Although ancillary tests including MRI, electroencephalogram, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were unremarkable, the presentation of acute psychosis in combination with recurrent seizures and a relentless course suggested autoimmune encephalitis. The patient underwent pelvic ultrasound which disclosed a dermoid cyst and which led to an urgent cystectomy. Plasmapheresis was then initiated, yielding partial response over the next two weeks. Following the detection of high titers of anti-NMDAR antibodies in the CSF, the patient ultimately received second line immunosuppressive treatment with rituximab. Over several months of cognitive rehabilitation a profound improvement was eventually noted, although minor anterograde memory deficits remained. In this report we call for attention to the inclusion of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in the differential diagnosis of acute psychosis. Prompt diagnosis is critical as early immunotherapy and tumor removal could dramatically affect outcomes.


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