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Neurological Sciences

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01-04-2019 | Video-Electroencephalogram | Original Article

Typical clinical and imaging manifestations of encephalitis with anti-γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor antibodies: clinical experience and a literature review

Authors: Zhihua Si, Aihua Wang, Jinzhi Liu, Zixian Zhang, Ke Hu

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 4/2019

Abstract

Objective

To explore the clinical, imaging, and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings, as well as the treatment and prognosis of five patients with anti-γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor (GABA_BR) encephalitis and review the current literature to gain a deeper understanding and improve the clinical diagnostic ability of the disease.

Methods

Clinical data such as blood examination, imaging, computed tomography (CT), EEG, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings from five patients with anti-GABA_BR encephalitis were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Based on the imaging data, autoimmune encephalitis with anti-GABA_BR antibodies displayed subacute onset of episodic memory loss, seizures, and confusion, in addition to signal changes in the medial temporal lobe and/or hippocampus. Anti-GABA_BR antibodies were found in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in all five patients, although the CSF leukocyte count and the levels of protein, sugar, and chloride showed no obvious abnormalities. On MRI, only two patients presented with abnormal signals in the medial temporal lobe and/or hippocampus. The EEG showed a slow wave rhythm in all five patients. After treatment with methylprednisolone pulse therapy combined with antiepileptic treatment, all five patients recovered well, without any complications.

Conclusions

Autoimmune encephalitis with anti-GABA_BR antibodies may be a severe and refractory disease. Anti-GABA_BR antibodies tested in CSF and serum play a crucial role in the definitive diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune encephalitis. Early treatment is of vital importance to avoid serious complications and neurological sequelae.

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Title: Typical clinical and imaging manifestations of encephalitis with anti-γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor antibodies: clinical experience and a literature review
Authors: Zhihua Si
Aihua Wang
Jinzhi Liu
Zixian Zhang
Ke Hu
Publication date: 01-04-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Video-Electroencephalogram
Autoimmune Encephalitis
Encephalitis
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-018-3679-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Typical clinical and imaging manifestations of encephalitis with anti-γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor antibodies: clinical experience and a literature review

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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