[Autoimmune encephalitis presenting with drug-resistant status epilepticus]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2017 Jul 24;179(30):V03170205.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Autoimmune encephalitis is characterized by formation of antibodies against cell surface proteins. Antibodies against the gamma-aminobuturic acidB (GABAB) receptor lead to limbic encephalitis, drug-resistant seizures, confusion, cognitive impairment and changed behaviour. Some patients present with status epilepticus. GABAB encephalitis is associated with small-cell lung cancer or neuroendocrine lung tumour. This is a case report of a patient having status epilepticus due to GABAB encephalitis. In cases which are presumed to be autoimmune it is important that treatment starts immediately instead of awaiting antibody confirmation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Autoantibodies / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Carcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Limbic Encephalitis / complications*
  • Limbic Encephalitis / diagnosis
  • Limbic Encephalitis / immunology
  • Limbic Encephalitis / therapy
  • Male
  • Plasmapheresis
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
  • Receptors, GABA-B / immunology
  • Status Epilepticus / etiology*
  • Status Epilepticus / immunology

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Receptors, GABA-B