Overlapping syndrome mimicking infectious meningoencephalitis in a patient with MOG and GFAP IgG
Abstract Background The presence of CNS overlapping autoimmune syndrome is not uncommon, but only one case of overlapping syndrome with coexistence of MOG-IgG and GFAP-IgG had been reported. This is the first reported case of these double antibodies positive presenting as clinical meningoencephalitis. Case presentation: A 23-year-old woman presented with transient convulsions,loss of consciousness, persistent fever, headache and vomiting. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed elevated cellularity, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement. She remained fever and headache with antiviral and antibiotic treatment for two weeks, then was treated with empirical anti-tuberculosis treatment and oral prednisolone therapy. She followed up at 3 months from presentation with symptoms improved and normal CSF analysis. 3-month follow-up MRI performed asymmetric lesions in the cerebellum, corona radiata, and white matter with enhancement. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was continued and steroid was discontinued. After She stopped taking the prednisolone, interrupted headache gradually appeared. MRI at 4 months after presentation revealed partial reduced extent of lesions, but enlarged areas in left cerebellum and right parietal white matter, as well as a new lesion in the region of the right ependyma with linearly enhancement. Screening for anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody and anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibody were positive in CSF by transfected cell-based assay. She was diagnosed with overlapping syndrome of MOG‑IgG‑associated disease and GFAP astrocytopathy and received steroid pulse therapy (methylprednisolone 1 g for 5 days) followed by a gradual tapering of oral prednisolone, as well as addition of immunosuppressant (tacrolimus, 3 mg per day). 6 months after the patient’s initial presentation, no symptom was found, MRI showed the lesions had obviously diminished and no enhancement was found. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of overlapping syndrome with coexistence of MOG-IgG and GFAP-IgG presenting as clinical meningoencephalitis. The early screening of autoantibodies against CNS antigens was of great importance for the patient suspected of intracranial infection to make the definite diagnosis.