Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: a video case report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder often associated with tumors.
• Paraneoplastic encephalitis frequently manifests with neuropsychiatric symptoms and hyperkinetic movements.

Observation:

• A 26-year-old Italian woman was diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis following incidental discovery of an ovarian tumor.
• The patient exhibited stereotypical movements primarily affecting the lower limbs, resembling psychogenic seizures.

Findings:

• The observed lower limb movements are atypical for anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which commonly presents with more generalized hyperkinetic or dyskinetic movements.
• This presentation expands the known clinical spectrum of movement disorders associated with anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Implications:

• Recognizing atypical movement patterns is crucial for timely diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
• This case underscores the importance of considering autoimmune encephalitis in patients with unexplained neurological and psychiatric symptoms, even with unusual presentations.