Anti-leucine-rich-glioma-inactivated 1 Limbic Encephalitis: An Underrecognised Disease

Autoimmune limbic encephalitis is a rare autoimmune disease characterised by inflammation of the limbic system of the brain. The disease runs a sub-acute course with cognitive impairment, memory loss and seizures. These patients have been underdiagnosed in Pakistan. Here, we present a case of a middle-aged male, who presented to our Department after having multiple visits to different psychiatrists for his symptoms. The patient had been put on multiple psychiatric and antiepileptic medications, but his condition gradually declined. At our Department, he was thoroughly assessed and then diagnosed as limbic encephalitis on the basis of the typical history, positive anti-leucine-rich-glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) antibodies and MRI findings. The patient responded to plasmapheresis and immune modulating therapy and is being followed up. Emphasis is made on early diagnosis; and earlier treatment of such cases, as it holds a substantial importance in management and makes a difference in future outcome. Key Words: Autoimmune limbic encephalitis, Voltage-gated potassium channels, Cognitive dysfunction.