Predictive value of high titer of GAD65 antibodies in a case of limbic encephalitis

J Neuroimmunol. 2019 Dec 15:337:577063. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577063. Epub 2019 Sep 10.

Abstract

We report the case of a 42-year-old woman who presented with vertigo and migraine and rapidly developed cognitive decline and seizures. Both serum and cerebro-spinal fluid samples showed high titer of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD65) antibodies (998,881 IU/ml and 54,687 IU/ml respectively). Limbic encephalitis was diagnosed and high dose steroids treatment started. During one-year follow-up, without further immunomodulatory therapy, the patient became seizure free, and cognitive functions returned to normal. Serum anti-GAD65 antibodies titer decreased significantly but remained elevated (192,680 IU/ml). We discuss the prognostic and pathogenic value of high titer anti-GAD65 antibodies and its variations in a case of autoimmune limbic encephalitis.

Keywords: Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibody; Autoimmune encephalitis; Immunotherapy; Limbic encephalitis; Neuroimmunology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / blood*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Glutamate Decarboxylase / blood*
  • Humans
  • Limbic Encephalitis / blood*
  • Limbic Encephalitis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Predictive Value of Tests

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Glutamate Decarboxylase
  • glutamate decarboxylase 2

Supplementary concepts

  • Autoimmune limbic encephalitis