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Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis presenting to the emergency department with status epilepticus

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 March 2015

Brodie Nolan ,
Katharina Plenk  and
David Carr
Brodie Nolan
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Katharina Plenk
Affiliation:
Department of Internal Medicine, York Central Hospital, Richmond Hill, ON
David Carr*
Affiliation:
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, University Health Network, Toronto, ON
*
Toronto General Hospital, R. Fraser Elliott Building, Ground -480, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4; [email protected]

Abstract

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Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a recently described and underdiagnosed entity that typically affects young, previously healthy individuals. Patients usually present in phases, which may include refractory seizures, psychosis, unresponsiveness, and autonomic instability. The diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis is challenging; however, prompt diagnosis and early treatment can lead to complete recovery. The incidence of anti-NMDAR encephalitis may be as high as four times that of encephalitis from herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, and West Nile viruses; however, it remains an underrecognized disorder. Early initiation of immunotherapy in anti-NMDAR encephalitis has been found to improve patient outcomes. Because of this, emergency physicians must be vigilant and consider this diagnosis in patients with altered mental status in whom a toxicologic or other etiology is not suspected. Early consideration of this diagnosis can facilitate urgent neurology consultation and prevent diagnostic delays arising from psychiatric referrals. It is essential to consider this diagnosis in suspicious emergency department presentations, particularly young patients who present with altered mental status, psychosis, or new-onset seizure activity when other obvious causes are ruled out. Emergency physicians should discuss the possibility of empirical intravenous immunoglobulin administration with neurology consultants if anti-NMDAR encephalitis is suspected. We describe the case of a 20-year-old man with anti-NMDAR encephalitis who presented to the emergency department with status epilepticus.

Keywords

autoimmuneencephalitisN-methyl-D-aspartate receptor
Type
Case Report • Rapport de cas
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 16 , Issue 5 , September 2014 , pp. 425 - 428
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2014

References

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