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Updated: Aug 26, 2025

A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate NMDA Receptor in Blood
Published on: January 9, 2018
Can ultrasound be the diagnostic modality to diagnosis anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis?
Andrew Alaya1, Frédérique van Dunné1
1Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, Haaglanden Medisch Centrum, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is an auto-immune paraneoplastic disease of the limbic system. This syndrome may present itself as a range of psychiatric, neurological and autonomic features. It is associated with long-term morbidity and mortality. The syndrome is associated with ovarian teratoma affecting mainly young females. If the syndrome is identified at an early stage, then a good prognosis is expected. In this case report, the ultrasound performed by an experienced and competent operator was more sensitive than MRI in diagnosing a small ovarian teratoma. Following the removal of the teratoma and with appropriate immunotherapy the patient's condition improved. In the clinical suspicion of anti-A-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, the first modality of choice should be an ultrasound of the ovaria performed by an experienced and competent operator.

