Autoimmune Encephalitis a Mini Review

Abstract

Nearly half of all cases of acute encephalitis did not have an identifiable cause. Autoimmune (antibody-mediated) etiology has gained more recognition over the recent years. It is important to consider the diagnosis by the clinical findings of acute limbic encephalopathy, new onset schizophrenia, or new onset medically refractory seizures. Identification of the antibodies is important in defining the underlying causes including underlying malignancies. Antibodies against intracellular proteins are more likely to be paraneoplastic and T-cell mediated. Antibodies against cell surface or synaptic antigens are mostly B-cell mediated and they are more responsive to immunotherapy. In addition to high index of clinical suspicion, MRI, serum and CSF antibody testing are most helpful in making the final diagnosis.

An Unusual Case of Two Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes in a Patient With Lung Cancer

“…Autoimmune encephalitides and their related neurological disorders are increasingly recognized for their association with specific neuronal autoantibodies [3][4][5][6]. These disorders may affect any area of the brain, but most commonly, the limbic structures or medial temporal lobes [4,5].…”

“…With the discovery of more autoantibodies associated with underlying cancer, we are able to understand more about the pathophysiology of immune-mediated paraneoplastic neurological syndromes [3][4][5][6]. The first group of paraneoplastic syndromes is associated with intracellular antigens.…”

An Unusual Case of LGI1 (Leucine-Rich Glioma-Inactivated Protein 1) Limbic Encephalitis With Anti-acetylcholine Receptor and Anti-striational Autoantibodies

“…Of the many types of AE, autoimmune LE is the most common, affecting structures of the limbic system such as the hippocampus and medial temporal lobes. Since their discovery, antibodies against LGI1 have been recognized as the leading cause of LE, and the second most common cause of AE in general [2,11].…”

“…Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) are a diverse group of inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) conditions caused by immune-mediated damage to the brain. The clinical presentations of these conditions depend on the autoimmune antibodies present and the antigens they target [1][2].…”