Pediatric Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Encephalitis Mimicking Glutaric Aciduria Type 1: A Case Report

Daniel Almeida do Valle1,2,3, Mara Lúcia Schmitz Ferreira Santos1,3, Michelle Silva Zeny1,2,3

  • 1Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, Brazil.

Frontiers in Neurology
|November 16, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis can cause acute movement disorders and neurological regression in toddlers. Early diagnosis and immunomodulatory treatment are crucial for improved outcomes in pediatric NMDAR encephalitis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a severe autoimmune disorder.
  • It presents with diverse neurological symptoms, posing diagnostic challenges, particularly in young children.

Observation:

  • A 15-month-old boy developed acute-onset dystonia and neuropsychomotor regression after antiemetic administration.
  • Initial symptoms mimicked other conditions, including acute dystonic reaction and glutaric acidemia type 1 (GA-1).

Findings:

  • Diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis was confirmed after excluding other potential causes.
  • The patient showed significant improvement following immunomodulatory therapy.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the critical need to consider anti-NMDAR encephalitis in the differential diagnosis of acute movement disorders in toddlers.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for favorable prognosis in pediatric anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

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