Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Neurology

Background:

• Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an increasingly recognized autoimmune neurological disorder.
• It is a treatable cause of encephalitis, particularly in young adults.
• Diagnosis and management require a multidisciplinary team approach.

Observation:

• This report details a case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis with an unusual presentation.
• The patient exhibited transiently increased intracranial pressure, an atypical finding in this condition.
• Increased intracranial pressure can pose diagnostic and management challenges.

Findings:

• Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is a treatable condition often presenting with psychiatric and neurological symptoms.
• Transient increased intracranial pressure is an underrecognized, atypical manifestation.
• Early recognition by internists is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering anti-NMDAR encephalitis in the differential diagnosis of encephalopathy.
• Emphasizes the need for internists to be familiar with the clinical spectrum and management of NMDAR encephalitis.
• Suggests that increased intracranial pressure should be recognized as a potential, albeit atypical, feature requiring careful management.