A boy with non-herpes simplex acute limbic encephalitis and antiglutamate receptor antibodies

Hisashi Kawashima1, Chiako Ishii, Gaku Yamanaka

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.

Insights

This case study details a 12-year-old boy with severe, persistent seizures due to nonherpetic acute limbic encephalitis. Prompt treatment led to recovery without lasting effects, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Acute limbic encephalitis can present with intractable seizures in children.
  • Nonherpetic causes require thorough etiological investigation.

Observation:

  • A 12-year-old male experienced prolonged, intractable seizures.
  • Clinical presentation included partial and secondary generalized convulsions.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hippocampal abnormalities.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with nonherpetic acute limbic encephalitis.
  • Treatment involved anticonvulsants, methylprednisolone, and gamma-globulin.
  • Transient positivity for antiglutamate receptor antibodies was noted in cerebrospinal fluid and serum.
  • Virological studies were negative for common pathogens like herpes simplex virus.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for recovery from acute limbic encephalitis with appropriate management.
  • The role of antiglutamate receptor antibodies in nonherpetic limbic encephalitis warrants further investigation.
  • Early diagnosis and multimodal treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric epilepsy cases.

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...