Abstract
We report a 1-year follow-up of a young woman with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis. Management of autoimmune encephalitis remains challenging as objective and clinically relevant biomarkers are sought, which allow for the monitoring of treatment response. While further investigation is required, we believe that this case highlights the importance of following a comprehensive neuropsychological profile as a clinically relevant biomarker to guide therapeutic decision-making. By relying on the neuropsychological assessment of the patient, treatment with more toxic medications was avoided and her antiepileptic drug regimen was simplified.
Keywords:
clinical neurophysiology; epilepsy and seizures; immunology; memory disorders (psychiatry).
© BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / blood
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Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / cerebrospinal fluid
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Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / drug therapy
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Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / psychology*
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Anticonvulsants / administration & dosage
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Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
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Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use
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Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / blood
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Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / cerebrospinal fluid
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Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / drug therapy
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Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / psychology*
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Confusion / diagnosis
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Confusion / etiology
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Electroencephalography / methods
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Epilepsia Partialis Continua / diagnostic imaging
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Epilepsia Partialis Continua / drug therapy
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Epilepsia Partialis Continua / physiopathology
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Female
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Humans
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Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
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Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
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Monitoring, Physiologic / standards
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Neuropsychological Tests / standards*
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Plasma Exchange / methods
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Rare Diseases
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Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / immunology*
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Rituximab / administration & dosage
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Rituximab / therapeutic use
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Steroids / administration & dosage
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Steroids / therapeutic use
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Anticonvulsants
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Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
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Immunosuppressive Agents
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Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
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Steroids
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Rituximab