1
|
Adhikari A, Subedi RC, Acharya S, Paudei R. Anti-leucine-rich Glioma-inactivated-1 Encephalitis with Faciobrachial Dystonic Seizures and Behavioral Problems: A Case Report. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc 2020; 58:487-490. [PMID: 32827010 PMCID: PMC7580401 DOI: 10.31729/jnma.5008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-Leucine-rich glioma-inactivated-1 encephalitis is a subtype of autoimmune encephalitis characterized by cognitive impairment, faciobrachial dystonic seizures, and behavioural changes. There is no reported case from Nepal. We report a case of a 54-year old male who presented with abnormal body movement, behavioural changes, rapid eye movement sleep behavioural changes, and cognitive decline. Investigations revealed magnetic resonance imaging findings of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery intensity signal in bilateral temporal lobes with anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated-1 antibody in serum leading to diagnosis of anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated-1 encephalitis. He was treated with steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. Timely diagnosis is vital to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayush Adhikari
- Department of Medicine, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ram Chandra Subedi
- Department of Medicine, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Subi Acharya
- Department of Medicine, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Raju Paudei
- Department of Medicine, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Correspondence: Dr. Raju Paudel, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu, Nepal. , Phone: +977-9818964856
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ramberger M, Berretta A, Tan JMM, Sun B, Michael S, Yeo T, Theorell J, Bashford-Rogers R, Paneva S, O’Dowd V, Dedi N, Topia S, Griffin R, Ramirez-Franco J, El Far O, Baulac S, Leite MI, Sen A, Jeans A, McMillan D, Marshall D, Anthony D, Lightwood D, Waters P, Irani SR. Distinctive binding properties of human monoclonal LGI1 autoantibodies determine pathogenic mechanisms. Brain 2020; 143:1731-1745. [PMID: 32437528 PMCID: PMC7296845 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoantibodies against leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) are found in patients with limbic encephalitis and focal seizures. Here, we generate patient-derived monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against LGI1. We explore their sequences and binding characteristics, plus their pathogenic potential using transfected HEK293T cells, rodent neuronal preparations, and behavioural and electrophysiological assessments in vivo after mAb injections into the rodent hippocampus. In live cell-based assays, LGI1 epitope recognition was examined with patient sera (n = 31), CSFs (n = 11), longitudinal serum samples (n = 15), and using mAbs (n = 14) generated from peripheral B cells of two patients. All sera and 9/11 CSFs bound both the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) and the epitempin repeat (EPTP) domains of LGI1, with stable ratios of LRR:EPTP antibody levels over time. By contrast, the mAbs derived from both patients recognized either the LRR or EPTP domain. mAbs against both domain specificities showed varied binding strengths, and marked genetic heterogeneity, with high mutation frequencies. LRR-specific mAbs recognized LGI1 docked to its interaction partners, ADAM22 and ADAM23, bound to rodent brain sections, and induced internalization of the LGI1-ADAM22/23 complex in both HEK293T cells and live hippocampal neurons. By contrast, few EPTP-specific mAbs bound to rodent brain sections or ADAM22/23-docked LGI1, but all inhibited the docking of LGI1 to ADAM22/23. After intrahippocampal injection, and by contrast to the LRR-directed mAbs, the EPTP-directed mAbs showed far less avid binding to brain tissue and were consistently detected in the serum. Post-injection, both domain-specific mAbs abrogated long-term potentiation induction, and LRR-directed antibodies with higher binding strengths induced memory impairment. Taken together, two largely dichotomous populations of LGI1 mAbs with distinct domain binding characteristics exist in the affinity matured peripheral autoantigen-specific memory pools of individuals, both of which have pathogenic potential. In human autoantibody-mediated diseases, the detailed characterization of patient mAbs provides a valuable method to dissect the molecular mechanisms within polyclonal populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Ramberger
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Antonio Berretta
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jeanne M M Tan
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Experimental Neuropathology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Bo Sun
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
| | - Sophia Michael
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
| | - Tianrong Yeo
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Experimental Neuropathology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jakob Theorell
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Sofija Paneva
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Neesha Dedi
- UCB Pharma, 208-216 Bath Road, Berkshire, UK
| | | | | | - Jorge Ramirez-Franco
- Unité de Neurobiologie des Canaux Ioniques et de la Synapse, INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Oussama El Far
- Unité de Neurobiologie des Canaux Ioniques et de la Synapse, INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Stéphanie Baulac
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR S 1127, INSERM, U1127, CNRS, UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Maria I Leite
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
| | - Arjune Sen
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexander Jeans
- Experimental Neuropathology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Daniel Anthony
- Experimental Neuropathology Group, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Patrick Waters
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarosh R Irani
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Muñoz-Lopetegi A, de Bruijn MAAM, Boukhrissi S, Bastiaansen AEM, Nagtzaam MMP, Hulsenboom ESP, Boon AJW, Neuteboom RF, de Vries JM, Sillevis Smitt PAE, Schreurs MWJ, Titulaer MJ. Neurologic syndromes related to anti-GAD65: Clinical and serologic response to treatment. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm 2020; 7:e696. [PMID: 32123047 PMCID: PMC7136051 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (anti-GAD65) are associated with a number of neurologic syndromes. However, their pathogenic role is controversial. Our objective was to describe clinical and paraclinical characteristics of anti-GAD65 patients and analyze their response to immunotherapy. METHODS Retrospectively, we studied patients (n = 56) with positive anti-GAD65 and any neurologic symptom. We tested serum and CSF with ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and cell-based assay. Accordingly, we set a cutoff value of 10,000 IU/mL in serum by ELISA to group patients into high-concentration (n = 36) and low-concentration (n = 20) groups. We compared clinical and immunologic features and analyzed response to immunotherapy. RESULTS Classical anti-GAD65-associated syndromes were seen in 34/36 patients with high concentration (94%): stiff-person syndrome (7), cerebellar ataxia (3), chronic epilepsy (9), limbic encephalitis (9), or an overlap of 2 or more of the former (6). Patients with low concentrations had a broad, heterogeneous symptom spectrum. Immunotherapy was effective in 19/27 treated patients (70%), although none of them completely recovered. Antibody concentration reduction occurred in 15/17 patients with available pre- and post-treatment samples (median reduction 69%; range 27%-99%), of which 14 improved clinically. The 2 patients with unchanged concentrations showed no clinical improvement. No differences in treatment responses were observed between specific syndromes. CONCLUSION Most patients with high anti-GAD65 concentrations (>10,000 IU/mL) showed some improvement after immunotherapy, unfortunately without complete recovery. Serum antibody concentrations' course might be useful to monitor response. In patients with low anti-GAD65 concentrations, especially in those without typical clinical phenotypes, diagnostic alternatives are more likely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amaia Muñoz-Lopetegi
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M.-L., M.A.A.M.d.B., A.E.M.B., M.M.P.N., E.S.P.H., A.J.W.B., R.F.N., J.M.d.V., P.A.E.S.S., M.J.T.) and Department of Immunology (S.B., M.W.J.S.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (A.M.-L.), IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; and Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN-RITA) (M.J.T.), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marienke A A M de Bruijn
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M.-L., M.A.A.M.d.B., A.E.M.B., M.M.P.N., E.S.P.H., A.J.W.B., R.F.N., J.M.d.V., P.A.E.S.S., M.J.T.) and Department of Immunology (S.B., M.W.J.S.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (A.M.-L.), IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; and Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN-RITA) (M.J.T.), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sanae Boukhrissi
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M.-L., M.A.A.M.d.B., A.E.M.B., M.M.P.N., E.S.P.H., A.J.W.B., R.F.N., J.M.d.V., P.A.E.S.S., M.J.T.) and Department of Immunology (S.B., M.W.J.S.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (A.M.-L.), IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; and Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN-RITA) (M.J.T.), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anna E M Bastiaansen
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M.-L., M.A.A.M.d.B., A.E.M.B., M.M.P.N., E.S.P.H., A.J.W.B., R.F.N., J.M.d.V., P.A.E.S.S., M.J.T.) and Department of Immunology (S.B., M.W.J.S.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (A.M.-L.), IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; and Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN-RITA) (M.J.T.), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mariska M P Nagtzaam
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M.-L., M.A.A.M.d.B., A.E.M.B., M.M.P.N., E.S.P.H., A.J.W.B., R.F.N., J.M.d.V., P.A.E.S.S., M.J.T.) and Department of Immunology (S.B., M.W.J.S.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (A.M.-L.), IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; and Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN-RITA) (M.J.T.), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Esther S P Hulsenboom
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M.-L., M.A.A.M.d.B., A.E.M.B., M.M.P.N., E.S.P.H., A.J.W.B., R.F.N., J.M.d.V., P.A.E.S.S., M.J.T.) and Department of Immunology (S.B., M.W.J.S.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (A.M.-L.), IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; and Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN-RITA) (M.J.T.), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Agnita J W Boon
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M.-L., M.A.A.M.d.B., A.E.M.B., M.M.P.N., E.S.P.H., A.J.W.B., R.F.N., J.M.d.V., P.A.E.S.S., M.J.T.) and Department of Immunology (S.B., M.W.J.S.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (A.M.-L.), IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; and Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN-RITA) (M.J.T.), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rinze F Neuteboom
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M.-L., M.A.A.M.d.B., A.E.M.B., M.M.P.N., E.S.P.H., A.J.W.B., R.F.N., J.M.d.V., P.A.E.S.S., M.J.T.) and Department of Immunology (S.B., M.W.J.S.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (A.M.-L.), IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; and Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN-RITA) (M.J.T.), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Juna M de Vries
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M.-L., M.A.A.M.d.B., A.E.M.B., M.M.P.N., E.S.P.H., A.J.W.B., R.F.N., J.M.d.V., P.A.E.S.S., M.J.T.) and Department of Immunology (S.B., M.W.J.S.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (A.M.-L.), IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; and Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN-RITA) (M.J.T.), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter A E Sillevis Smitt
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M.-L., M.A.A.M.d.B., A.E.M.B., M.M.P.N., E.S.P.H., A.J.W.B., R.F.N., J.M.d.V., P.A.E.S.S., M.J.T.) and Department of Immunology (S.B., M.W.J.S.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (A.M.-L.), IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; and Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN-RITA) (M.J.T.), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marco W J Schreurs
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M.-L., M.A.A.M.d.B., A.E.M.B., M.M.P.N., E.S.P.H., A.J.W.B., R.F.N., J.M.d.V., P.A.E.S.S., M.J.T.) and Department of Immunology (S.B., M.W.J.S.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (A.M.-L.), IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; and Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN-RITA) (M.J.T.), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten J Titulaer
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M.-L., M.A.A.M.d.B., A.E.M.B., M.M.P.N., E.S.P.H., A.J.W.B., R.F.N., J.M.d.V., P.A.E.S.S., M.J.T.) and Department of Immunology (S.B., M.W.J.S.), Erasmus MC University Medical Center; Department of Neurology (A.M.-L.), IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; and Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (ERN-RITA) (M.J.T.), Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ernst L, David B, Gaubatz J, Domínguez-Narciso I, Lüchters G, Becker AJ, Weber B, Hattingen E, Elger CE, Rüber T. Volumetry of Mesiotemporal Structures Reflects Serostatus in Patients with Limbic Encephalitis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2019; 40:2081-2089. [PMID: 31727746 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Limbic encephalitis is an autoimmune disease. A variety of autoantibodies have been associated with different subtypes of limbic encephalitis, whereas its MR imaging signature is uniformly characterized by mesiotemporal abnormalities across subtypes. Here, we hypothesized that patients with limbic encephalitis would show subtype-specific mesiotemporal structural correlates, which could be classified by supervised machine learning on an individual level. MATERIALS AND METHODS T1WI MPRAGE scans from 46 patients with antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase and 34 patients with antibodies against the voltage-gated potassium channel complex (including 10 patients with leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 autoantibodies) and 48 healthy controls were retrospectively ascertained. Parcellation of the amygdala, hippocampus, and hippocampal subfields was performed using FreeSurfer. Volumes were extracted and compared between groups using unpaired, 2-tailed t tests. The volumes of hippocampal subfields were analyzed using a multivariate linear model and a binary decision tree classifier. RESULTS Temporomesial volume alterations were most pronounced in an early stage and in the affected hemispheric side of patients. Statistical analysis revealed antibody-specific hippocampal fingerprints with a higher volume of CA1 in patients with glutamic acid decarboxylase-associated limbic encephalitis (P = .02), compared with controls, whereas CA1 did not differ from that in controls in patients with voltage-gated potassium channel complex autoantibodies. The classifier could successfully distinguish between patients with autoantibodies against leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 and glutamic acid decarboxylase with a specificity of 87% and a sensitivity of 80%. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest stage-, side- and antibody-specific structural correlates of limbic encephalitis; thus, they create a perspective toward an MR imaging-based diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Ernst
- From the Department of Epileptology (L.E., B.D., J.G., I.D.-N., C.E.E., T.R.)
| | - B David
- From the Department of Epileptology (L.E., B.D., J.G., I.D.-N., C.E.E., T.R.)
| | - J Gaubatz
- From the Department of Epileptology (L.E., B.D., J.G., I.D.-N., C.E.E., T.R.)
| | - I Domínguez-Narciso
- From the Department of Epileptology (L.E., B.D., J.G., I.D.-N., C.E.E., T.R.)
| | - G Lüchters
- Center for Development Research (G.L.), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - B Weber
- Institute for Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research (B.W.)
| | - E Hattingen
- Department of Radiology (E.H.), University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neuroradiology (E.H.), Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - C E Elger
- From the Department of Epileptology (L.E., B.D., J.G., I.D.-N., C.E.E., T.R.)
| | - T Rüber
- From the Department of Epileptology (L.E., B.D., J.G., I.D.-N., C.E.E., T.R.)
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main (T.R.)
- Department of Neurology, and Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (T.R.), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Brain tumors and paraneoplastic syndromes can cause various neuropsychiatric symptoms. Rarely, psychiatric symptoms may be the initial presentation of the underlying neurologic lesion. Brain imaging studies are crucial in the diagnosis of brain tumors. Paraneoplastic syndromes are mostly immune-mediated, and antineuronal antibodies may be detected in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. Clinical suspicion is very important in assisting the diagnostic workup. Treatment of the psychiatric symptoms depends on the nature of the symptoms. Selection of the psychotropic agent has to be done carefully to minimize complications such as seizures and delirium secondary to anticholinergic toxicity. With advances in targeted therapies, immunology, and genetics, the future appears more promising.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subramoniam Madhusoodanan
- Department of Psychiatry, St. John's Episcopal Hospital, New York, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Mark Bryan Ting
- Community Behavioral Health Center, Fresno, CA, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Popkirov S, Sebastian S, Ismail FS, Wellmer J. Latent autoimmune diabetes and limbic encephalitis with antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase. J Diabetes 2018; 10:338-340. [PMID: 29154389 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.12627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stoyan Popkirov
- Ruhr-Epileptology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Seena Sebastian
- Ruhr-Epileptology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Fatme S Ismail
- Ruhr-Epileptology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jörg Wellmer
- Ruhr-Epileptology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review presents recent developments in the clinical features, immunologic basis, and treatment options for autoimmune encephalitis, seizures, and epilepsy. RECENT FINDINGS In addition to the expansion of our knowledge on classic paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis with onconeural antibodies, recent years have witnessed the development of the category of encephalitis associated with antibodies directed toward neuronal surface antigens. Antibodies against the voltage-gated potassium channel are, in fact, directed toward an array of targets within a large molecular complex. The most common target, leucine-rich, glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1), is associated with a syndrome of limbic encephalitis, sometimes preceded by disease-specific faciobrachial dystonic seizures, which could allow early diagnosis and treatment. Encephalitis with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibodies, only discovered a few years ago, has emerged as the leading syndrome of this new category. Its clinical features and EEG signature are well defined, which should allow prompt recognition and treatment. The list of antibodies is still growing as new antibodies are identified that recognize other synaptic proteins, such as the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA), and glycine receptors. The role of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) antibodies is still a controversy, as is the cause of Rasmussen encephalitis and syndromes of cryptogenic refractory status epilepticus and the mechanisms of seizures in systemic autoimmune diseases. A link between autoimmunity and epilepsy has been substantiated by large epidemiologic studies, but the nature of the causality requires more research. SUMMARY Autoimmune encephalitis is an important cause of seizures to recognize as it entails a specific therapeutic approach. Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis and NMDA receptor and LGI1 encephalitis are well-characterized immunoclinical associations. Other syndromes and antibodies are being actively identified and described. A concept of autoimmune epilepsy is emerging and, if confirmed, is likely to alter the therapeutic approach and improve the outcome of some patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy.
Collapse
|
8
|
Grilo E, Pinto J, Caetano JS, Pereira H, Cardoso P, Cardoso R, Dinis I, Pereira C, Fineza I, Mirante A. Type 1 diabetes and GAD65 limbic encephalitis: a case report of a 10-year-old girl. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2016; 29:985-90. [PMID: 27115322 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2016-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Limbic encephalitis is a rare neurological disorder that may be difficult to recognize. Clinical features include memory impairment, temporal lobe seizures and affective disturbance. We report the case of a 10-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes mellitus that presented with seizures, depressed mood and memory changes. The diagnosis of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) mediated limbic encephalitis relied on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging lesions and high serological and cerebrospinal fluid GAD65-antibodies titers. High-dose steroidal therapy was started with clinical improvement. Relapse led to a second high-dose steroid treatment followed by rituximab with remission. A correlation between serum GAD65-antibodies levels and symptoms was found, demonstrating GAD65-antibodies titers may be useful for clinical follow-up and immunotherapy guidance. This report raises awareness of this serious neurological condition that may be associated with type 1 diabetes, underlining the importance of an early diagnosis and prompt treatment for a better prognosis.
Collapse
|
9
|
Millet C, van Pesch V, Sindic CJM. Idiopathic limbic encephalitis associated with antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase. Acta Neurol Belg 2015; 115:165-7. [PMID: 25038738 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-014-0332-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Millet
- Service de Neurologie, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200, Bruxelles, Belgium ,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Markakis I, Alexopoulos H, Poulopoulou C, Akrivou S, Papathanasiou A, Katsiva V, Lyrakos G, Gekas G, Dalakas MC. Immunotherapy-responsive limbic encephalitis with antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase. J Neurol Sci 2014; 343:192-4. [PMID: 24950904 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) has been recently identified as a target of humoral autoimmunity in a small subgroup of patients with non-paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (NPLE). We present a patient with NPLE and positive anti-GAD antibodies who showed significant improvement after long-term immunotherapy. A 48-year old female was admitted with a two-year history of anterograde amnesia and seizures. Brain MRI revealed bilateral lesions of medial temporal lobes. Screening for anti-neuronal antibodies showed high anti-GAD titers in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with strong evidence of intrathecal production. The patient received treatment with prednisolone and long-term plasma exchange. During a 12-month follow-up, she exhibited complete seizure remission and an improvement in memory and visuo-spatial skills. Anti-GAD antibodies may serve as a useful marker to identify a subset of NPLE patients that respond to immunoregulatory treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Markakis
- Department of Neurology, "St. Panteleimon" General State Hospital, 3 Mantouvalou St., 18454 Nikaia, Greece.
| | - Harry Alexopoulos
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias St., 11527 Athens Greece.
| | - Cornelia Poulopoulou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Athens, 72-74 Vas. Sophias Ave., 115 28 Athens, Greece.
| | - Sofia Akrivou
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias St., 11527 Athens Greece.
| | - Athanasios Papathanasiou
- Department of Neurology, Essex Centre for Neurological Sciences, Queen's Hospital, Romford, Essex, UK.
| | - Vassiliki Katsiva
- Department of Radiology, "St. Panteleimon" General State Hospital, 3 Mantouvalou St., 18454 Nikaia, Greece.
| | - Georgios Lyrakos
- Department of Neurology, "St. Panteleimon" General State Hospital, 3 Mantouvalou St., 18454 Nikaia, Greece.
| | - Georgios Gekas
- Department of Neurology, "St. Panteleimon" General State Hospital, 3 Mantouvalou St., 18454 Nikaia, Greece.
| | - Marinos C Dalakas
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias St., 11527 Athens Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shen N, Ren H, Wu J, Feng J, Cui L, Fang S. A rare case of limbic encephalitis with anti leucine-rich glioma inactivated-1 (LGI1) antibodies. Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2014; 35:95-97. [PMID: 24878970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We report a case of limbic encephalitis with LGI1 antibodies and cranial MRI abnormality. A 41-year-old woman who presented with confusional state that had started 1 month ago. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintense signal in right basal ganglia followed by hyperintense signals in left hippocampus and bilateral basal ganglia half a month later. This case expands the spectrum of limbic encephalitis to include LGI1 antibodies and cranial MRI changing process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Shen
- Department of Neurology, The First Teaching Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Haitao Ren
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Teaching Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiachun Feng
- Department of Neurology, The First Teaching Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liying Cui
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaokuan Fang
- Department of Neurology, The First Teaching Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Johannis W, Renno JH, Wielckens K, Voltz R. Ma2 antibodies: an evaluation of commercially available detection methods. Clin Lab 2011; 57:321-326. [PMID: 21755821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ma2 antibodies belong to the onconeuronal antibodies which define a "definite" paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS). Because of the clinical relevance, use of two separate methods (indirect immunofluorescence technique--IFT--and immunoblot) is advocated; however, with an increasing number of commercially available assay systems, usually only one assay is performed. METHODS We compared IFT and three commercially available immunoblots (ravo Diagnostika, Euroimmun, Milenia Biotec) on sera from 35 patients with clinically suspected PNS. 17 were Ma2 antibody associated as defined by consensus result (showing positive reactivity in 2 assays), 18 were Ma2 antibody negative controls. RESULTS Sensitivity/specificity for single assays were for IFT 94%/94%, for ravo Diagnostika PNS blot 88%/100%, for Euroimmun Neuronal Antigens Profile blot 100%/89%, and for Milenia Biotec MTR blot 94%/100%. CONCLUSIONS Our data confirm, although all tests performed well, a combination of 2 independent assays is still advisable for Ma2 antibody detection in order to achieve higher sensitivity and specificity rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wibke Johannis
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital, Cologne, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jarius S, Hoffmann LA, Stich O, Clover L, Rauer S, Vincent A, Voltz R. Relative frequency of VGKC and 'classical' paraneoplastic antibodies in patients with limbic encephalitis. J Neurol 2008; 255:1100-1. [PMID: 18574619 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-008-0845-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2007] [Revised: 11/15/2007] [Accepted: 12/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
14
|
Kimura A, Sakurai T, Suzuki Y, Hayashi Y, Hozumi I, Watanabe O, Arimura K, Takahashi Y, Inuzuka T. Autoantibodies against Glutamate Receptor ε 2-Subunit Detected in a Subgroup of Patients with Reversible Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis. Eur Neurol 2007; 58:152-8. [PMID: 17622721 DOI: 10.1159/000104716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2006] [Accepted: 02/26/2007] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the presence of autoantibodies against glutamate receptor (GluR) epsilon2 in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 12 consecutive patients with acute encephalitis/encephalopathy by immunoblotting using recombinant GluR epsilon2 as antigen. In 4 patients, IgM autoantibodies against GluR epsilon2 were detected in CSF in the early phase of the disease but were not detectable after several months. Seizures and psychiatric symptoms were noted during the acute phase of the disease in these 4 patients, who showed various degrees of residual amnesia. Immunotherapy was performed on 3 patients (patients 1, 3 and 4), and they showed marked improvements. Immunohistochemistry using these patients' sera showed that immunoreactivity is specifically detected in the cytoplasm of rat hippocampal and cortical neurons. The clinical features and neuroimaging findings of patients with IgM autoantibodies against GluR epsilon2 in CSF resemble those of patients with reversible autoimmune limbic encephalitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Kimura
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tüzün E, Rossi JE, Karner SF, Centurion AF, Dalmau J. Adenylate kinase 5 autoimmunity in treatment refractory limbic encephalitis. J Neuroimmunol 2007; 186:177-80. [PMID: 17462746 PMCID: PMC2040128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2007.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2007] [Revised: 03/16/2007] [Accepted: 03/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We report two men with limbic encephalitis (LE) refractory to corticosteroids, IVIg and plasma exchange. Both patients had serum/CSF antibodies that reacted with the cytoplasm of neurons. Probing of a hippocampal cDNA library resulted in the isolation of adenylate kinase 5 (AK5). Patients' antibodies, but not those of 111 controls, recognized AK5-expressing phage plaques. Human AK5-affinity purified antibodies reproduced the neuronal immunolabeling of patients' antibodies, and co-localized with a rabbit AK5 antibody, confirming that the brain autoantigen was AK5. Detection of antibodies to AK5 in LE patients carries a poor prognosis, and suggests the prompt use of aggressive immunosuppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erdem Tüzün
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jeffrey E. Rossi
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Josep Dalmau
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 40% of patients with limbic encephalitis do not have detectable CNS antibodies. Some of these patients have immune-mediated limbic encephalitis, but their frequency is unknown. AIMS (1) To determine the spectrum of limbic encephalitis identified on clinical grounds in a single institution, and compare it with that in patients referred for antibody analysis. (2) To correlate clinical outcomes with the cellular location of the autoantigens. METHODS Prospective clinical case studies. Immunohistochemistry with rat brain, live hippocampal neurones, HeLa cells expressing Kv potassium channels and immunoblot. RESULTS In 4 years, 17 patients were identified in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA, and the serum or CSF samples of 22 patients diagnosed elsewhere were also studied. 9 of our 17 (53%) patients had antibodies to known neuronal antigens (paraneoplastic or voltage gated potassium channels (VGKCs)) and 5 (29%) to novel cell-membrane antigens (nCMAg) typically expressed in the hippocampus and sometimes in the cerebellum. Considering the entire series, 19 of 39 (49%) patients had antibodies to known antigens, and 17 (44%) to nCMAg. Follow-up (2-48 months, median 19 months) was available for 35 patients. When compared with patients with antibodies to intraneuronal antigens, a significant association with response to treatment was found in those with antibodies to cell-membrane antigens in general (VGKC or nCMAg, p = 0.003) or to nCMAg (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS (1) 82% of patients with limbic encephalitis prospectively identified on clinical grounds had CNS antibodies; (2) responsiveness to treatment is not limited to patients with VGKC antibodies; (3) in many patients (29% from a single institution), the autoantigens were unknown but were found to be highly enriched in neuronal cell membranes of the hippocampus; and (4) these antibodies are associated with a favourable outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Bataller
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mathew RM, Vandenberghe R, Garcia-Merino A, Yamamoto T, Landolfi JC, Rosenfeld MR, Rossi JE, Thiessen B, Dropcho EJ, Dalmau J. Orchiectomy for suspected microscopic tumor in patients with anti-Ma2-associated encephalitis. Neurology 2006; 68:900-5. [PMID: 17151337 PMCID: PMC1909749 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000252379.81933.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the presence of microscopic neoplasms of the testis in men with anti-Ma2-associated encephalitis (Ma2-encephalitis) and to discuss the clinical implications. METHODS Orchiectomy specimens were examined using immunohistochemistry with Ma2 and Oct4 antibodies. RESULTS Among 25 patients with Ma2-encephalitis younger than 50 years, 19 had germ-cell tumors, and 6 had no evidence of cancer. These 6 patients underwent orchiectomy because they fulfilled five criteria: 1) demonstration of anti-Ma2 antibodies in association with MRI or clinical features compatible with Ma2-encephalitis, 2) life-threatening or progressive neurologic deficits, 3) age < 50 years, 4) absence of other tumors, and 5) new testicular enlargement or risk factors for germ-cell tumors, mainly cryptorchidism or ultrasound evidence of testicular microcalcifications. All orchiectomy specimens showed intratubular-germ cell neoplasms unclassified type (IGCNU) and other abnormalities including microcalcifications, atrophy, fibrosis, inflammatory infiltrates, or hypospermatogenesis. Ma2 was expressed by neoplastic cells in three of three patients examined. Even though most patients had severe neurologic deficits at the time of orchiectomy (median progression of symptoms, 10 months), 4 had partial improvement and prolonged stabilization (8 to 84 months, median 22.5 months) and two did not improve after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS In young men with Ma2-encephalitis, 1) the disorder should be attributed to a germ-cell neoplasm of the testis unless another Ma2-expressing tumor is found, 2) negative tumor markers, ultrasound, body CT, or PET do not exclude an intratubular germ-cell neoplasm of the testis, and 3) if no tumor is found, the presence of the five indicated criteria should prompt consideration of orchiectomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M Mathew
- Department of Neurology, Division Neuro-oncology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Koide R, Shimizu T, Koike K, Dalmau J. EFA6A-like antibodies in paraneoplastic encephalitis associated with immature ovarian teratoma: a case report. J Neurooncol 2006; 81:71-4. [PMID: 16807779 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-006-9200-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2006] [Accepted: 05/15/2006] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We describe a 19-year-old patient with paraneoplastic encephalitis associated with immature ovarian teratoma (OT), who presented with psychiatric symptoms, prolonged disturbance of consciousness, refractory status epilepticus, central hypoventilation, and various abnormal involuntary movements. Immunological characterization of the patient's serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated the presence of an autoantibody that colocalized with EFA6A, a brain-specific protein involved in the regulation of dendritic development of hippocampal neurons. Despite the severity of the symptoms, the patient showed significant neurological improvement following removal of the tumor and chemotherapy. This case suggests that physicians should rule out an OT in young women with encephalitis who present with the subacute-onset of psychiatric symptoms. Antibodies that colocalize with EFA6A are a valuable marker for early diagnosis of a potentially reversible paraneoplastic encephalitis associated with OT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reiji Koide
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, 2-6-1 Musashidai, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-0042, Japan.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Affiliation(s)
- R Scheid
- Day Clinic of Cognitive Neurology, University of Leipzig, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
We found voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) antibodies in 4 of 15 patients with limbic encephalitis (LE). Two patients with idiopathic LE had high VGKC antibody levels (>800 pM; controls <100 pM), that fell in parallel with a clinical response to immunotherapy. Two patients with lower VGKC antibodies (170 pM, 300 pM) had lung cancer (radiological evidence only in one) and the LE improved with immunotherapy in one. The other 11 patients without VGKC antibodies had paraneoplastic LE and eight onconeural antibodies (Hu in 6; Ma2 in 2). VGKC antibodies do not unambiguously discriminate between idiopathic or paraneoplastic LE but probably indicate a good response to immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Pozo-Rosich
- Neurosciences Group, Weatherall Insitute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dorresteijn LDA, Kappelle AC, Renier WO, Gijtenbeek JMM. Anti-amphiphysin associated limbic encephalitis: a paraneoplastic presentation of small-cell lung carcinoma. J Neurol 2002; 249:1307-8. [PMID: 12242559 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-002-0677-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
22
|
Buckley C, Oger J, Clover L, Tüzün E, Carpenter K, Jackson M, Vincent A. Potassium channel antibodies in two patients with reversible limbic encephalitis. Ann Neurol 2001; 50:73-8. [PMID: 11456313 DOI: 10.1002/ana.1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Limbic encephalitis (LE) is often associated with lung, thymic, or testicular tumours and antibodies to Hu, CV2, or Ma2 (Ta) antigens. In these cases, it generally has a poor prognosis. Here we describe two patients with symptoms of LE, negative for typical paraneoplastic antibodies, in whom antibodies to voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKC) were detected retrospectively in serial serum samples. Patient 1 had a thymoma recurrence, but in patient 2 no tumour has been detected in the years following presentation. Plasma exchange was effective in reducing VGKC antibody levels, with substantial improvement in mental symptoms in patient 1. In patient 2, the VGKC antibodies fell spontaneously over two years, with almost complete recovery of mental function. Although neither patient had obvious neuromyotonia at presentation, both showed excessive secretions. We suggest that patients with limbic symptoms and excessive secretions should be tested for VGKC antibodies, and, if they are present, prompt and effective immunosuppressive treatment should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Buckley
- Neurosciences Group, Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|