Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 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
Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis preceded by meningitis lasting up to 60 days
Naoki Yamahara1, Nobuaki Yoshikura1, Akira Takekoshi1
1Department of Neurology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture 501-1194, Japan.
Abstract:
Long-lasting meningitis complicated by N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis has not been discussed widely in the literature. Herein, we present two cases of anti-NMDAR encephalitis preceded by meningitis. The patients had 60- and 22-day periods of preceding meningitis, which improved with intravenous methylprednisolone and plasmapheresis. No tumors were detected in either of the patients. Although meningitis preceding anti-NMDAR encephalitis is not rare, our patients, especially those who had it for a duration of 60 days, had longer durations of meningitis. This manuscript foregrounds that anti-NMDAR encephalitis might be included in the differential diagnosis of long-lasting meningitis.
Insights
Long-lasting meningitis may indicate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. Two cases show prolonged meningitis preceding anti-NMDAR encephalitis, suggesting it should be considered in differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder.
- Meningitis can precede anti-NMDAR encephalitis, but prolonged meningitis is less commonly discussed.
- The clinical course and diagnostic considerations for such cases require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two cases of anti-NMDAR encephalitis following prolonged meningitis.
- To highlight the extended duration of preceding meningitis in these patients.
- To emphasize the importance of considering anti-NMDAR encephalitis in the differential diagnosis of persistent meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation of two patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
- Review of clinical history, duration of preceding meningitis, and treatment outcomes.
- Exclusion of neoplastic causes through appropriate investigations.
Main Results:
- Two patients presented with anti-NMDAR encephalitis after meningitis lasting 60 and 22 days, respectively.
- Both patients showed improvement with intravenous methylprednisolone and plasmapheresis.
- No underlying tumors were identified in either case.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged meningitis can be a preceding symptom of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
- The duration of meningitis in the reported cases was notably longer than typically described.
- Anti-NMDAR encephalitis should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients with long-lasting meningitis.
More Related Videos
10:19High-throughput Flow Cytometry Cell-based Assay to Detect Antibodies to N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor or Dopamine-2 Receptor in Human Serum
Published on: November 23, 2013
08:20Hippocampal Neuronal Cultures to Detect and Study New Pathogenic Antibodies Involved in Autoimmune Encephalitis
Published on: June 2, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
01:25Long-term Potentiation
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when...