Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2021 | Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis | Review
Molecular mimicry of NMDA receptors may contribute to neuropsychiatric symptoms in severe COVID-19 cases
Authors:
Veronika Vasilevska, Paul C. Guest, Hans-Gert Bernstein, Matthias L. Schroeter, Christian Geis, Johann Steiner
Published in:
Journal of Neuroinflammation
|
Issue 1/2021
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Abstract
Approximately 30% of individuals with severe SARS-CoV-2 infections also develop neurological and psychiatric complaints. In rare cases, the occurrence of autoimmune encephalitis has been reported after SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this systematic review, we have identified eight SARS-CoV-2-associated cases of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. All had cerebrospinal fluid antibodies against the NMDA receptor and a recent onset of working memory deficits, altered mental status, or psychiatric symptoms, such as confusion, agitation, auditory hallucination, catatonia and speech dysfunction. All patients received high-dose steroid and immunoglobulin therapeutics and conditions improved in each case. These findings suggest that clinical attention should be paid to warning signs of autoimmune encephalitis in severe COVID-19 cases. If characteristic features of autoimmune encephalitis are present, autoantibody diagnostics should be performed and confirmed cases should be treated with immunotherapy to minimize neurological impairments.