An uncommon presentation of paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) is a rare neurological disorder.
• Established diagnostic criteria exist for PLE.
• PLE is often associated with specific cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an uncommon presentation of PLE.
• To highlight the association between PLE and breast cancer.
• To emphasize the importance of considering autoimmune encephalitis in atypical cases.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a female patient.
• Detailed neurological and behavioral assessment.
• Diagnostic workup for autoimmune encephalitis and cancer.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with a one-year history of short-term memory loss and mild behavioral changes.
• The presentation was atypical, characterized by chronicity and mild symptoms.
• The patient was diagnosed with PLE associated with breast cancer.

Conclusions:

• PLE can manifest with chronic and mild neurological symptoms.
• Atypical presentations of PLE necessitate a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
• Early diagnosis and management of autoimmune encephalitis are crucial, even in non-classic cases.