Concurrent Tuberculous Meningoencephalitis and Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis: A Case Report
Chen Xiaoli1, Wang Qun2,3, Li Jing2,3
1Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China.
Frontiers in Neurology
|July 25, 2022
Summary
Tuberculosis may trigger anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis, a rare neurological condition. This case report highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis in patients presenting with new neurological and cognitive symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a rare autoimmune disorder.
- Tuberculosis is a well-known infectious disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old male presented with weight loss, headache, fever, cognitive deficits, and ophthalmoplegia.
- Magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid antibody analysis revealed tuberculous meningoencephalitis and anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis likely triggered by tuberculosis.
- The patient showed significant clinical and imaging improvement after antituberculosis and high-dose corticosteroid therapy.
Implications:
- Tuberculosis should be considered as a potential trigger for anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for this association, especially in patients with unexplained neurological and cognitive symptoms.
Keywords:
Mycobacterium tuberculosisanti-NMDAR antibodyautoimmune encephalitiscase reporttuberculosis meningoencephalitisMore Related Videos
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