Tenascin-R Autoimmunity: Isolated Tremor Reversed with Immunotherapy

Ann Neurol. 2023 Sep;94(3):502-507. doi: 10.1002/ana.26730. Epub 2023 Jul 14.

Abstract

Autoimmune movement disorders are increasingly recognized, but isolated tremor is extremely rare. We describe a 70-year-old male with rapidly progressive, severe postural and intention tremor and weight loss. His cerebrospinal fluid was inflammatory and harbored a neural tissue-restricted antibody. The autoantigen was identified by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry and confirmed by antigen-specific assays to be specific for tenascin-R. He was investigated for cancer and diagnosed with follicular lymphoma that expressed tenascin-R suggesting a paraneoplastic origin; cancer treatment and immunotherapy led to complete recovery. With this individualized patient approach and antibody discovery, we expand the spectrum of antibodies accompanying autoimmune hyperkinetic movement disorders. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:502-507.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoimmune Diseases*
  • Autoimmunity
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Male
  • Tremor*

Substances

  • tenascin R
  • Autoantibodies