Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-associated encephalitis: A review of clinicopathologic hallmarks and multimodal imaging manifestations

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-associated encephalitis(NMDARE)is a rare immune-mediated neuroinflammatory condition characterized by the rapid onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms and autonomic dysfunction.The mechanism of pathogenesis remains incompletely understood,but is thought to be related to antibodies targeting the GluN1 subunit of the NMDA receptor with resultant downstream dysregulation of dopaminergic pathways.Young adults are most frequently affected;the median age at diagnosis is 21 years.There is a strong female predilection with a female sex predominance of 4:1.NMDARE often develops as a paraneoplastic process and is most commonly associated with ovarian teratoma.However,NMDARE has also been described in patients with small cell lung cancer,clear cell renal carcinoma,and other benign and malignant neoplasms.Diagnosis is based on correlation of the clinical presentation,electro-encephalography,laboratory studies,and imaging.Computed tomography,positron emission tomography,and magnetic resonance imaging are essential to identify an underlying tumor,exclude clinicopathologic mimics,and predict the likelihood of long-term functional impairment.Nuclear imaging may be of value for prognostication and to assess the response to therapy.Treatment may involve high-dose corticosteroids,intravenous immunoglobulin,and plasma exchange.Herein,we review the hallmark clinicopathologic features and imaging findings of this rare but potentially devastating condition and summarize diagnostic criteria,treatment regimens,and proposed pathogenetic mechanisms.

Meningoencephalitis due to Listeria monocytogenes in a Young Immunocompetent Patient: Case Report with Literature Review

Meningoencephalitis secondary to Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) mainly affects newborns, the elderly and immunocompromised people;there are extremely rare cases in which said infection occurs in immunocompetent individuals. We present the case of a young adult patient without immunocompromise, who developed meningoencephalitis due to L. monocytogenes;This case is exceptional, since it occurred in an individual outside the classic age group, in addition to not having risk factors, which is why it should be considered an atypical causal agent.

Development of a High-throughput Sequencing Platform for Detection of Viral Encephalitis Pathogens Based on Amplicon Sequencing

Objective Viral encephalitis is an infectious disease severely affecting human health.It is caused by a wide variety of viral pathogens,including herpes viruses,flaviviruses,enteroviruses,and other viruses.The laboratory diagnosis of viral encephalitis is a worldwide challenge.Recently,high-throughput sequencing technology has provided new tools for diagnosing central nervous system infections.Thus,In this study,we established a multipathogen detection platform for viral encephalitis based on amplicon sequencing.Methods We designed nine pairs of specific polymerase chain reaction(PCR)primers for the 12 viruses by reviewing the relevant literature.The detection ability of the primers was verified by software simulation and the detection of known positive samples.Amplicon sequencing was used to validate the samples,and consistency was compared with Sanger sequencing.Results The results showed that the target sequences of various pathogens were obtained at a coverage depth level greater than 20×,and the sequence lengths were consistent with the sizes of the predicted amplicons.The sequences were verified using the National Center for Biotechnology Information BLAST,and all results were consistent with the results of Sanger sequencing.Conclusion Amplicon-based high-throughput sequencing technology is feasible as a supplementary method for the pathogenic detection of viral encephalitis.It is also a useful tool for the high-volume screening of clinical samples.

Serological Investigation into the Infected Genotypes of Patients with Japanese Encephalitis in the Coastal Provinces of China

Objective Genotypes(G)1,3,and 5 of the Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV)have been isolated in China,but the dominant genotype circulating in Chinese coastal areas remains unknown.We searched for G5 JEV-infected cases and attempted to elucidate which JEV genotype was most closely related to human Japanese encephalitis(JE)in the coastal provinces of China.Methods In this study,we collected serum specimens from patients with JE in three coastal provinces of China(Guangdong,Zhejiang,and Shandong)from 2018 to 2020 and conducted JEV cross-neutralization tests against G1,G3,and G5.Results Acute serum specimens from clinically reported JE cases were obtained for laboratory confirmation from hospitals in Shandong(92 patients),Zhejiang(192 patients),and Guangdong(77 patients),China,from 2018 to 2020.Seventy of the 361 serum specimens were laboratory-confirmed to be infected with JEV.Two cases were confirmed to be infected with G1 JEV,32 with G3 JEV,and two with G5 JEV.Conclusion G3 was the primary infection genotype among JE cases with a definite infection genotype,and the infection caused by G5 JEV was confirmed serologically in China.

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor type autoimmune encephalitis with severe pneumonia:a case report

Autoimmune encephalitis(AE)is a type of encephalitis caused by autoimmune disease.AE was included on a list of the first batch of 121 rare diseases published by the Chinese National Health Commission on 11^(th)May 2018.Currently,patients with AE account for 10%-20% of encephalitis cases,with 54%-80% of those cases classified as the anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR)type,which is the most common type.[1]In 2010,China reported the first case of a patient withanti-NMDARtype AE.

A case of Rickettsia felis infection-induced encephalitis in a pregnant woman

Rickettsia felis is an exclusively cytozoic Gram-negative prokaryote with cat fleas as the major vectors.[1]As early as 1918,Rickettsia felis was detected in cat fleas in Europe and named Rickettsia ctenocephali.[2]Symptoms of fever,malaise,headache,maculopapular rash and eschar are observed in patients with Rickettsia felis infection.

Anti-contact protein-associated protein 2 antibody encephalitis in children:A case report

BACKGROUND Anti-contactin-associated protein-like 2(CASPR2)antibody encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of antibodies against the voltage-gated potassium channel.This leads to neurological symptoms,such as seizures,cognitive decline,and neuropathic pain,primarily affecting the limbic system.The prognosis of this disorder varies among individuals.CASE SUMMARY The patient,a girl aged nine years and nine months,underwent treatment for 14 to 21 d.The main clinical manifestations were vomiting and unclear consciousness,positive pathological signs,normal cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging,and abnormal electroencephalogram.The child was discharged after receiving immunoglobulin and hormone treatment.Subsequent follow-up over a period of 15 months after discharge,conducted through telephone and outpatient visits,showed no recurrence of symptoms.CONCLUSION Anti-CASPR2 antibody autoimmune encephalitis in children is rare,mainly manifested as convulsions,mental abnormalities,cognitive impairment,and neuropathic pain,among others.Timely evaluation for autoimmune encephalitis antibodies is crucial,especially in cases of recurrent central nervous system involvement in children.

Chikungunya encephalitis:A case report

Rationale:Transmitted to humans via the Aedes mosquito,Chikungunya virus(CHIKV)is associated with multi-system complications,sometimes collectively referred to as“atypical features.”However,a disorder of the nervous system appears to be the most common severe complication of CHIKV infection.Patient’s Concern:A seventy-five-year-old patient from India presented to the hospital with fever,chills,rigors,and multiple joint pains for which he was worked up.Diagnosis:CHIKV encephalitis.Interventions:The patient was treated initially on supportive therapy with antipyretics,intravenous fluids;however,during his hospital stay,the patient had altered sensorium during which he was managed in the intensive care unit;required mechanical ventilation.Outcomes:The patient sccumbed to his illness.Lessons:Treating clinicians should keep CHIKV disease in the differential diagnosis in cases of febrile exanthems associated with disabling arthritis,especially in a CHIKV-endemic country like India.

Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis Complicated by Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Herpes simplex virus is the most common etiology for life-threatening sporadic encephalitis worldwide. Antiviral therapy with acyclovir has been shown to reduce mortality and should be started promptly in patients with clinically suspected viral encephalitis before serological confirmation of the diagnosis. Despite antiviral treatment, it is associated with significant mortality and a wide range of neurologic sequelae or neuropsychiatric disorders. Clinical presentation includes fever, headache, altered mental status, and focal or generalized seizures. In some cases, it can present with focal neurological deficits, such as an acute stroke. The aim of this study is to identify rare complications of HSVE. Presentation: We present a case of a 71-year-old female patient with herpes virus encephalitis and an ischemic cerebral accident. The findings of CT scan of the brain revealed an extensive right temporal hypodensity. CSF findings include an elevated protein level, normal glucose level and pleocytosis with lymphocyte predominance. The lumbar tap confirmed the presence of herpes simplex virus type 1 with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the CSF. Neurological manifestations include focal neurological deficit with left-sided hemiparesis and coma. After 40 days of complex therapy, an improvement in the mental state was observed. Conclusion: There are varying degrees of neurologic sequelae among survivors in children and adults despite the antiviral treatment. Herpes simplex encephalitis has significant morbidity and high mortality due to the lack of prophylactic treatment and preventable strategies.

Isolated Hyperacute T-Waves in West Nile Encephalitis Indicating Atypical Variant of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Several cardiac outcomes have been reported with West Nile-encephalitis;however, the underlying pathophysiology remains complex. We present a 42-year-old female, with multiple sclerosis, whose neurological symptoms and respiratory decline were finally explained by the diagnosis of West Nile-encephalitis. During her admission, the isolated peaked T-waves indicated the underlying stress-induced cardiomyopathy. The absence of all other causes of hyperacute T-waves, their subsequent resolution with the resolution of infection and improvement in wall motion abnormalities, further supported the association. This case highlights the importance of considering hyperacute T-waves in an approach towards the diagnosis of WNV-encephalitis related atypical variant of stress-induced cardiomyopathy.

The Diagnostic Value of Oligoclonal Band Detection in Viral Encephalitis

Objective: This study aims to explore the differences in cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal band (CSF-OCB) expression among different age groups in viral encephalitis and its reference value for diagnosis. Methods: Forty-two patients with viral encephalitis were divided into two groups: 25 adults and 17 children. The presence of oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was detected using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and CSF routine analysis was conducted for comparative analysis. Results: The CSF-OCB positivity rate was higher in the adult group (48%) compared with the pediatric group (11.76%), with a statistically significant difference (P Conclusion: 1) The expression of CSF-OCB positivity in patients with viral encephalitis is age-related, with higher positivity rates observed in adults compared to children. 2) Although CSF oligoclonal band detection is not a specific diagnostic marker for viral encephalitis in adults, it still holds certain reference value.

Two Cases of Autoimmune Encephalitis with Multiple Anti-neuronal Antibodies

Autoimmune encephalitis(AE)can arise from various etiologies and present with complex clinical manifestations,especially in cases involving multiple anti-neuronal antibodies.This report presents two cases of AE with multiple anti-neuronal antibodies admitted to Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital on October 9,2020,and March 12,2024.Case 1 is a 15-year-old boy with positive anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR)and anti-metabotropic glutamate receptor 5(mGluR5)antibodies in his serum and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF).Case 2 is a 14-year-old boy with positive NMDAR and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein(MOG)antibodies in his CSF.Patients with AE who have multiple anti-neuronal antibodies present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges,warranting close clinical attention.

Varicella-Zoster Virus Encephalitis with Hyponatremia in an Immunocompetent Elderly Patient:A Case Report

As a common cause of viral encephalitis,varicella-zoster virus(VZV)may invade the central nervous system of immunosuppressed patients during reactivation.Herein,we report a rare case of an immunocompetent patient with VZV encephalitis who developed severe hyponatremia and was considered to have a suspected primary infection.The patient was diagnosed with the support of second-generation sequencing and had persistent hyponatremia after being cured.Although rare,this case suggests that VZV encephalitis may occur in unexpected patients and present with unusual clinical manifestations,requiring advanced detection methods and clinical expertise for resolution.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Targeted Nursing in Children with Severe Viral Encephalitis Complicated with Respiratory Failure

Objective:To explore and analyze the effectiveness of targeted nursing in children with severe viral encephalitis complicated with respiratory failure.Methods:From April 2021 to April 2023,74 children with severe viral encephalitis complicated with respiratory failure admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of our hospital were selected as the research objects and divided into the target group(n=37)and the reference group(n=37).Targeted nursing was given to the target group,while general nursing was given to the reference group.Physical rehabilitation,motor scores,and lung function were compared between the groups.Results:The recovery time of limb abnormalities,convulsions,abnormal consciousness,and cranial nerve disorders in the target group was significantly better than that in the reference group(P<0.05).The motor function,joint activity and pain,sensory function,and total score of the target group were significantly lower than those of the reference group(P<0.05).After the intervention,lung function indicators including VC(vital capacity),FVC(forced vital capacity),and MVV(maximum voluntary ventilation)of the target group were better than those of the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Targeted nursing can shorten the recovery period of severe viral encephalitis complicated with respiratory failure in children,speed up the recovery of motor function,and improve lung function.This nursing model has a significant application effect in children with severe viral encephalitis complicated with respiratory failure.

Survey on Vaccination of Foxes Against Encephalitis

[Objective] This study was conducted to survey the vaccination of foxes against encephalitis in Changli. [Method] A total of 85 fox blood samples were col- lected from four farmers in Changli County. The serum antibody titer against fox encephalitis was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The OD values were measured to determine the presence of CAV-1 antibody in samples. [Result] 93% of the 15 serum samples from Farmer 1, 86% of the 14 serum sam- ples from Farmer 2, 97% of the 30 serum samples from Farmer 3 and 92% of 26 serum samples from farmer 4 were CAV-1 antibody-positive. In summary, among the 85 serum samples from the four farmers, six were CAV-1 antibody-negative, and 79 were CAV-1 antibody-positive, namely 93% of the foxes were successfully immunized. [Conclusion] The results revealed that vaccination against fox encephali- tis in Changli was run well, but the immunization in several foxes should be strengthened.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Japanese Encephalitis in Guizhou Province,China,1971-2009

Objective The aim of the study was to establish the contemporary epidemiological characteristics of Japanese encephalitis （JE） in Guizhou Province. Methods A retrospective study of National Notifiable Disease Reporting System （NNDRS） data from 2971 through 2009, was conducted to ascertain the geographical, seasonal, and age distributions of JE incidence in Guizhou Province, China. Results A total of 68 425 JE cases were reported in Guizhou from 1971-2009. The JE cases occurred sporadically in all 9 prefectures of Guizhou, mostly among residents of rural areas. Seasonal distribution of JE remained consistent over the period from 1971-2009 with the main transmission season starting from June to September and peaking in August. JE occurred mainly in children under the age of 15 years with peak incidence in the 0-6-year age group. Pearson＇s correlation analysis showed that JE vaccine distribution had a negative correlation with JE incidence rates during 1971-2009 （coefficient of correlation=-0.475, P〈O.01）. Conclusion Over the period of 1971-2009, the JE incidence rate had declined dramatically in terms of geographical and age distributions due to JE vaccination to children at risk.

Discrimination between leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 antibody encephalitis and gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor antibody encephalitis based on ResNet18

This study aims to discriminate between leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1(LGI1)antibody encephalitis and gammaaminobutyric acid B(GABAB)receptor antibody encephalitis using a convolutional neural network(CNN)model.A total of 81 patients were recruited for this study.ResNet18,VGG16,and ResNet50 were trained and tested separately using 3828 positron emission tomography image slices that contained the medial temporal lobe(MTL)or basal ganglia(BG).Leave-one-out cross-validation at the patient level was used to evaluate the CNN models.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and the area under the ROC curve(AUC)were generated to evaluate the CNN models.Based on the prediction results at slice level,a decision strategy was employed to evaluate the CNN models’performance at patient level.The ResNet18 model achieved the best performance at the slice(AUC=0.86,accuracy=80.28%)and patient levels(AUC=0.98,accuracy=96.30%).Specifically,at the slice level,73.28%(1445/1972)of image slices with GABAB receptor antibody encephalitis and 87.72%(1628/1856)of image slices with LGI1 antibody encephalitis were accurately detected.At the patient level,94.12%(16/17)of patients with GABAB receptor antibody encephalitis and 96.88%(62/64)of patients with LGI1 antibody encephalitis were accurately detected.Heatmaps of the image slices extracted using gradient-weighted class activation mapping indicated that the model focused on the MTL and BG for classification.In general,the ResNet18 model is a potential approach for discriminating between LGI1 and GABAB receptor antibody encephalitis.Metabolism in the MTL and BG is important for discriminating between these two encephalitis subtypes.

Overlapping syndrome of recurrent anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein demyelinating diseases:A case report

BACKGROUND Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis(NMDARe)is capable of presenting a relapsing course and coexisting with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease,whereas it has been relatively rare.We describe a man with no history of tumor who successively developed anti-NMDARe and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease.CASE SUMMARY A 29-year-old man was initially admitted with headache,fever,intermittent abnormal behavior,decreased intelligence,limb twitching and loss of consciousness on July 16,2018.On admission,examination reported no abnormality.During his presentation,he experienced aggravated symptoms,and the reexamination of cranial magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)indicated punctate abnormal signals in the left parietal lobe.External examination of cerebrospinal fluid and serum results revealed serum NMDAR antibody(Ab)(-),cerebrospinal fluid NMDAR-Ab(+)1:10 and Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen antibody Ig G(+).Due to the imaging findings,anti-NMDARe was our primary consideration.The patient was treated with methylprednisolone and gamma globulin pulse therapy,mannitol injection dehydration to reduce intracranial pressure,sodium valproate sustained-release tablets for anti-epilepsy and olanzapine and risperidone to mitigate psychiatric symptoms.The patient was admitted to the hospital for the second time for“abnormal mental behavior and increased limb movements”on December 14,2018.Re-examination of electroencephalography and cranial MRI showed no abnormality.The results of autoimmune encephalitis antibody revealed that serum NMDAR-Ab was weakly positive and cerebrospinal fluid NMDAR-Ab was positive.Considering comprehensive recurrent anti-NMDARe,the patient was treated with propylene-hormone pulse combined with immunosuppressive agents(mycophenolate mofetil),and the symptoms were relieved.The patient was admitted for“hoarseness and double vision”for the third time on August 23,2019.Re-examination of cranial MRI showed abnormal signals in the medulla oblongata and right frontal lobe,and synoptophore examination indicated concomitant esotropia.The patient’s visual acuity further decreased,and the reexamination of cranial MRI+enhancement reported multiple scattered speckled and patchy abnormal signals in the medulla oblongata,left pons arm,left cerebellum and right midbrain,thalamus.The patient was diagnosed with an accompanying demyelinating disease.Serum antimyelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 1:10 and NMDAR antibody 1:10 were both positive.The patient was diagnosed with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-related inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system complicated with anti-NMDARe overlap syndrome.The patient was successfully treated with methylprednisolone,gamma globulin pulse therapy and rituximab treatment.The patient remained asymptomatic and follow-up MRI scan 6 mo later showed complete removal of the lesion.CONCLUSION We emphasize the rarity of this antibody combination and suggest that these patients may require longer follow-up due to the risk of recurrence of two autoimmune disorders.

Agranulocytosis following injection of inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine(Vero cell):A case report

BACKGROUND Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV),a mosquito borne flavivirus,is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia,in terms of frequency and severity.JEV infection is thought to confer lifelong immunity.With the near eradication of poliomyelitis,JEV is now the continent’s leading cause of childhood viral neurologic infection and disability.The most common clinical manifestation of JEV infection is acute encephalitis,and currently there is no specific antiviral therapy.Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine(JE-VC)is an effective prevention measure,including JE-VC,Live(JE-MB),and Inactivated JE-VC.CASE SUMMARY A 9-mo-old girl received injection of Inactivated JE-VC(Vero cell)(Liaoning Chengda,batch number 201611B17)on August 31,2017.On that night,she developed a fever with the body temperature up to 38.5°C,for which Ibuprofen Suspension Drops 1.25 mL was given as antipyretic treatment.On September 1,the patient developed apocleisis,and her parents noticed herpes in her oral cavity.The patient was sent to our hospital on September 3.Physical examination led to a diagnosis of herpetic stomatitis,for which Stomatitis Spray 1 puff,tid,Kangfuxin Liquid 2 mL,tid,and vitamin B20.5 tablet,tid,were prescribed.Routine blood tests for low fever on September 6,2017 revealed an absolute neutrophil count(ANC)of 0.62×109/L,hemoglobin(Hb)of 109 g/L,and platelet count(PLT)of 308×10^(12)/L,and the tests were monitored regularly thereafter.The patient was followed until July 26,2020,when routine blood tests revealed ANC 1.72×109/L,Hb 138 g/L,and PLT 309×1012/L,indicating that the neutropenia count had normalized.CONCLUSION This report attempts to bring to clinical attention that Inactivated JE-VC(Vero cell)might cause prolonged granulocytopenia or even agranulocytosis.

Epidemic Japanese B encephalitis combined with contactinassociated protein-like 2 antibody-positive autoimmune encephalitis:A case report

BACKGROUND It is not uncommon to develop viral encephalitis.Epidemic Japanese B encephalitis infection combined with contactin-associated protein-like 2(CASPR-2)antibody-positive autoimmune encephalitis has not been reported at present.In clinical work,we need to consider more options.CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old male worker presented with headache,fever and call-unresponsive presentation.Complete cranial magnetic resonance image showed symmetrical abnormal signals in bilateral medial temporal lobe,bilateral thalamus and basal ganglia.Improved lumbar puncture showed that cerebrospinal fluid protein and cell count increased significantly.Viral encephalitis was considered,and the patient's consciousness still increased rapidly after antiviral treatment.Further detection of Cerebrospinal fluid Japanese B encephalitis virus Polymerase Chain Reaction positive,serum autoimmune encephalitis antibody showed CASPR-2 antibody positive(1:320),the patient's condition gradually improved after plasma exchange treatment.3 mo later,the serum CASPR-2 antibody was negative and the patient's condition was stable.CONCLUSION This article reports the world’s first case of Epidemic Japanese B encephalitis infection combined with CASPR-2 antibody-positive autoimmune encephalitis,with a view to raising awareness.