Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
09:41
Imaging CD19+ B Cells in an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mouse Model using Positron Emission Tomography
Published on: January 20, 2023
Acute limbic encephalitis with focal hyperperfusion on single photon emission computed tomography
Ayuko Igarashi1, Akihisa Okumura, Yuri Kitamura
1Department of Pediatrics, Koto Hospital, Japan. ayuko421@yahoo.co.jp
Brain & Development
|May 5, 2012
Summary
This study details an 11-year-old boy with acute encephalopathy and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Elevated cerebrospinal fluid cytokines, not autoantibodies, suggest innate immunity involvement in pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Acute encephalopathy with neuropsychiatric symptoms (AEP) presents a diagnostic challenge, particularly in pediatric cases.
- Understanding the underlying pathophysiology is crucial for effective treatment and management.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old boy presented with fever, decreased consciousness, and behavioral changes.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed elevated cells and protein, with normal hematologic and metabolic tests.
- Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) revealed increased cerebral blood flow in specific brain regions.
Findings:
- Elevated levels of Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) were detected in the patient's CSF.
- Immunohistochemistry excluded the presence of autoantibodies in brain tissue.
- These findings suggest a role for innate immune responses in the patient's AEP.
Implications:
- The results highlight the potential involvement of innate immunity in AEP, distinct from autoimmune mechanisms.
- This case suggests heterogeneity within AEP patient populations.
- Further research into cytokine-mediated pathways in pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Encephalitis 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...
01:19Encephalitis 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...