Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis, an Underappreciated Disease in the Emergency Department

West J Emerg Med. 2016 May;17(3):280-2. doi: 10.5811/westjem.2016.2.29554. Epub 2016 May 2.

Abstract

Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (NMDAR) Encephalitis is a novel disease discovered within the past 10 years. Antibodies directed at the NMDAR cause the patient to develop a characteristic syndrome of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Patients go on to develop autonomic dysregulation and often have prolonged hospitalizations and intensive care unit stays. There is little literature in the emergency medicine community regarding this disease process, so we report on a case we encountered in our emergency department to help raise awareness of this disease process.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / diagnosis*
  • Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / physiopathology
  • Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / therapy
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Delayed Diagnosis / adverse effects*
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / administration & dosage*
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Plasmapheresis / methods*
  • Prognosis
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism*
  • Rituximab / administration & dosage
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Rituximab
  • Cyclophosphamide