FLAMES with Elevated Myelin Basic Protein Followed by Myelitis

Intern Med. 2022 Dec 1;61(23):3585-3588. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9439-22. Epub 2022 May 7.

Abstract

The pathophysiology of unilateral cortical fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)-hyperintense lesions in anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-associated encephalitis with seizures (FLAMES) is unclear. A 26-year-old man was referred because of a seizure. FLAIR showed an increased signal intensity and swelling of the right frontal cortex. His symptoms and imaging abnormalities were improved after intravenous methylprednisolone therapy. MOG antibody was detected both in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with FLAMES. Myelin basic protein (MBP) was elevated in CSF. The high MBP value in the CSF in the present case suggested that demyelination as well as inflammation can occur in some FLAMES patients.

Keywords: encephalitis; myelin basic protein; myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody; myelitis; seizure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies
  • Encephalitis* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Myelin Basic Protein
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein
  • Myelitis*
  • Seizures

Substances

  • Myelin Basic Protein
  • Autoantibodies
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein