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Updated: Jan 30, 2026

A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate NMDA Receptor in Blood
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Published on: January 9, 2018

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Encephalitis with anti-NMDA receptor antibodies: paraneoplastic or non-paraneoplastic?

Jiri Masopust1, Aleš Tvaroh2, Zbyšek Pavelek3

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, and University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.

Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|January 22, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This study details a rare case of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis in an adult male, diagnosed late and potentially paraneoplastic. The case highlights diagnostic challenges and the rarity of this autoimmune encephalitis in males.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder.
  • It typically affects young women, with paraneoplastic etiology being uncommon in adult males.

Observation:

  • A case of encephalitis with confirmed anti-NMDAR antibodies is presented.
  • Diagnosis was delayed by several months after initial symptom onset.
  • The patient exhibited characteristics suggestive of a paraneoplastic form, despite negative imaging for tumors.

Findings:

  • The patient was an adult male, a demographic less commonly affected by anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
  • A paraneoplastic etiology was suspected but not confirmed due to limitations in imaging detection.
  • The delayed diagnosis underscores challenges in identifying this condition.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering anti-NMDAR encephalitis in adult males, even with atypical presentations.
  • It emphasizes the need for thorough investigation for paraneoplastic causes, potentially utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques.
  • Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms and diagnostic approaches for paraneoplastic anti-NMDAR encephalitis in males.

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