Abstract

MEDICI, Conrado et al. N-methyl-D-aspartate anti-receptor encephalitis: first two cases confirmed in pediatrics. Arch. Med Int [online]. 2015, vol.37, n. 1, pp.43-46. ISSN 0250-3816.

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is an immunomediated encephalopathy that presents with psiquiatric psymptoms, speech dysfunction, memory problems, seizures, abnormal movements, autonomic dysfunction, hipoventylation and decreased consciousness. The objective of this study is to show the first two pediatric cases of Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis confirmed in Uruguay. Clinical cases: Two boys, 6 and 14 years old, with Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. The first one had a subacute presentation with obsessive-compulsive symptoms and gate disorder while the second started with headaches. Both added mutism, urinary incontinence, behavioral and autonomic dysfunction and movement disorder. Magnetic resonance image and cerebrospinal fluid was normal. Electroencephalogram showed diffuse slow background activity. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid Anti-NMDA antibodies were positive. Both were treated with methylprednisolone and immunoglobulins, one of them also received Rituximab. We want to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis of this immunomediated encephalopathy in order to start treatment as soon as possible.

Keywords : Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor encephalitis; Dystonia; Chorea; Mutism.