Anti-NMDA Encephalitis: An Uncommon, Autoimmune Mediated Form of Encephalitis

Authors

  • Avetis Azizyan
  • Joshua Raymond Albrektson
  • Marcel Menahem Maya
  • Barry David Pressman
  • Franklin Moser

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v8i8.1566

Keywords:

Anti-NMDA, NMDA receptor, encephalitis, MRI, teratoma

Abstract

We report an interesting case of a 19 year old female with findings on MRI suggestive of viral encephalitis.  An extensive workup was negative for infectious causes and she was subsequently diagnosed with anti-NMDA encephalitis.  Anti-NMDA encephalitis is a highly lethal but treatable form of autoimmune encephalitis that has recently been characterized.  It is frequently found in young women and associated with an underlying teratoma.  Although rare, this diagnosis should be considered in young females for whom a rapid onset of encephalitis cannot be explained by more common causes.

Author Biographies

Avetis Azizyan

Department of Radiology

Joshua Raymond Albrektson

Department of Radiology

Marcel Menahem Maya

Department of Radiology

Barry David Pressman

Department of Radiology

Franklin Moser

Department of Radiology

Published

2014-08-25

Issue

Section

Neuroradiology