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Disserol CCD, Kowacs DP, Nabhan SK, Teive HAG, Kowacs PA. Case report: Successful autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a patient with GAD antibody-spectrum disorder with rapidly progressive dementia. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1254981. [PMID: 37928135 PMCID: PMC10622657 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1254981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of neurological syndromes associated with antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase is increasing. While cognitive impairment is a common feature of this condition, it seldom emerges as the primary symptom. In this study, we discuss a case of refractory dementia associated with the glutamic acid decarboxylase spectrum disorder. Interestingly, this case showed a favorable outcome following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We also provide an in-depth review of the current literature on the use of this therapeutic approach for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio César Diniz Disserol
- Department of Neurology, Instituto de Neurologia de Curitiba, Curitiba, Brazil
- Department of Neurology, Complexo do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Dora Pedroso Kowacs
- Department of Neurology, Instituto de Neurologia de Curitiba, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Samir Kanaan Nabhan
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Hélio Afonso Ghizoni Teive
- Department of Neurology, Complexo do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Pedro André Kowacs
- Department of Neurology, Instituto de Neurologia de Curitiba, Curitiba, Brazil
- Department of Neurology, Complexo do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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2
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Papadopoulos VE, Papadimas GK, Androudi S, Anagnostouli M, Evangelopoulos ME. Stiff-Leg Syndrome Associated with Autoimmune Retinopathy and Its Treatment with IVIg-A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1361. [PMID: 37891730 PMCID: PMC10605544 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) have been predominantly associated with stiff-person syndrome (SPS), which is often accompanied by organ-specific autoimmune diseases, such as late-onset type 1 diabetes. Autoimmune retinal pathology in SPS has recently been suggested to coexist in patients suffering from this disease; however, evidence reporting potential treatment options for the neurological and visual symptoms these patients experience remains scarce. We provide a review of the relevant literature, presenting a rare case of a middle-aged woman with autoimmune retinopathy (AIR) followed by stiff-leg syndrome who responded to intravenous immune globulin treatment (IVIg). Our report adds to previously reported data supporting the efficacy of IVIg in SPS spectrum disorders while also proposing the potential effect of IVIg in treating SPS spectrum patients with coexisting AIR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis E Papadopoulos
- First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - George K Papadimas
- First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Androudi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Anagnostouli
- First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleftheria Evangelopoulos
- First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
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3
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Tröscher AR, Mair KM, Verdú de Juan L, Köck U, Steinmaurer A, Baier H, Becker A, Blümcke I, Finzel M, Geis C, Höftberger R, Mawrin C, von Oertzen TJ, Pitsch J, Surges R, Voges B, Weis S, Winklehner M, Woermann F, Bauer J, Bien CG. Temporal lobe epilepsy with GAD antibodies: neurons killed by T cells not by complement membrane attack complex. Brain 2023; 146:1436-1452. [PMID: 36314080 PMCID: PMC10115353 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the syndromes linked to antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). It has been questioned whether 'limbic encephalitis with GAD antibodies' is a meaningful diagnostic entity. The immunopathogenesis of GAD-TLE has remained enigmatic. Improvement of immunological treatability is an urgent clinical concern. We retrospectively assessed the clinical, MRI and CSF course as well as brain tissue of 15 adult patients with GAD-TLE who underwent temporal lobe surgery. Brain tissue was studied by means of immunohistochemistry, multiplex fluorescent microscopy and transcriptomic analysis for inflammatory mediators and neuronal degeneration. In 10 patients, there was a period of mediotemporal swelling and T2 signal increase; in nine cases this occurred within the first 6 years after symptom onset. This resulted in unilateral or bilateral hippocampal sclerosis; three cases developed hippocampal sclerosis within the first 2 years. All CSF studies done within the first year (n = 6) revealed intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulin G. Temporal lobe surgeries were done after a median disease duration of 9 years (range 3 weeks to 60 years). Only two patients became seizure-free. Brain parenchyma collected during surgery in the first 6 years revealed high numbers of plasma cells but no signs of antibody-mediated tissue damage. Even more dense was the infiltration by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that were seen to locally proliferate. Further, a portion of these cells revealed an antigen-specific resident memory T cell phenotype. Finally, CTLs with cytotoxic granzyme B+ granules were also seen in microglial nodules and attached to neurons, suggesting a CTL-mediated destruction of these cells. With longer disease duration, the density of all lymphocytes decreased. Whole transcriptome analysis in early/active cases (but not in late/inactive stages) revealed 'T cell immunity' and 'Regulation of immune processes' as the largest overrepresented clusters. To a lesser extent, pathways associated with B cells and neuronal degeneration also showed increased representation. Surgically treated patients with GAD-TLE go through an early active inflammatory, 'encephalitic' stage (≤6 years) with CTL-mediated, antigen-driven neuronal loss and antibody-producing plasma cells but without signs of complement-mediated cell death. Subsequently, patients enter an apparently immunologically inactive or low-active stage with ongoing seizures, probably caused by the structural damage to the temporal lobe. 'Limbic encephalitis' with GAD antibodies should be subsumed under GAD-TLE. The early tissue damage explains why immunotherapy does not usually lead to freedom from seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R Tröscher
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology I, Neuromed Campus, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Katharina M Mair
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Laia Verdú de Juan
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Köck
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Steinmaurer
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Albert Becker
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ingmar Blümcke
- Department of Neuropathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Christian Geis
- Section Translational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Romana Höftberger
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Mawrin
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tim J von Oertzen
- Department of Neurology I, Neuromed Campus, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Julika Pitsch
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rainer Surges
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Berthold Voges
- Hamburg Epilepsy Centre, Protestant Hospital Alsterdorf, Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Serge Weis
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Neuromed Campus, Kepler University Hospital Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Michael Winklehner
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Friedrich Woermann
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Epilepsy Centre Bodensee, Ravensburg, Germany
| | - Jan Bauer
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian G Bien
- Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Medical School, Campus Bielefeld-Bethel, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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Spilioti M, Kiryttopoulos A, Panou T, Simos P, Alexopoulos H, Karafyles G, Geroukis T, Kalevrosoglou I, Kimiskidis V. Nonparaneoplastic Anti-GAD Limbic Encephalitis: Seizure Outcome and Long-term Neuropsychological Follow-up After Immunotherapy. Cogn Behav Neurol 2022; 35:212-220. [PMID: 35856876 DOI: 10.1097/wnn.0000000000000313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies against glutamate decarboxylase (GAD-Abs), especially GAD65 antibodies, are associated with limbic encephalitis (LE) manifested by temporal lobe epilepsy and neuropsychological deficits. We present the case of a 42-year-old Greek woman with nonparaneoplastic anti-GAD LE, discussing the therapeutic management and highlighting the role of neuropsychological assessment. The patient underwent functional and structural brain studies and was investigated longitudinally over a 6-year period with a battery of neuropsychological tests that were designed to document her intellectual function and verbal and visual memory. The patient suffered from refractory temporal-impaired awareness seizures and memory impairment that was mediated by autoimmune nonparaneoplastic LE and comorbid autoimmune disorders (ie, Hashimoto thyroiditis and vitiligo). Neuroimaging studies demonstrated hyperintensities in the medial temporal lobes bilaterally on T2WI MRI sequences. Serial EEGs showed bitemporal intermittent delta activity as well as epileptiform discharges. Tumor blood markers and onconeural antibodies were negative. Immunological screening revealed extremely high GAD-Abs titers in both serum and CSF, as well as the presence of CSF oligoclonal bands. Neuropsychological testing revealed anterograde amnesia with relative preservation of more remote, premorbid memories. The patient underwent first-line immunotherapy followed by immunosuppressive maintenance treatment that led to a reduction of seizures, EEG improvement, and a significant decline in GAD-Abs titers. Neuropsychological evaluations at 5 months, 1 year, and 6 years posttreatment demonstrated improvement, particularly in recent memory and everyday functionality. In this case of anti-GAD LE, the long-term seizure reduction and the improvement of neuropsychological deficits were most likely related to the immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Theodora Panou
- Department of Psychiatry & Laboratory of Neuropsychology, University of Crete, Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Simos
- Department of Psychiatry & Laboratory of Neuropsychology, University of Crete, Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Haris Alexopoulos
- Department of Pathophysiology, Neuroimmunology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Ioannis Kalevrosoglou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Abstract
Limbic encephalitis (LE) is a clinical syndrome defined by subacutely evolving limbic signs and symptoms with structural and functional evidence of mediotemporal damage in the absence of a better explanation than an autoimmune (or paraneoplastic) cause. There are features common to all forms of LE. In recent years, antibody(ab)-defined subtypes have been established. They are distinct regarding underlying pathophysiologic processes, clinical and magnetic resonance imaging courses, cerebrospinal fluid signatures, treatment responsivity, and likelihood of a chronic course. With immunotherapy, LE with abs against surface antigens has a better outcome than LE with abs to intracellular antigens. Diagnostic and treatment challenges are, on the one hand, to avoid overlooking and undertreatment and, on the other hand, to avoid overdiagnoses and overtreatment. LE can be conceptualized as a model disease for the consequences of new onset mediotemporal damage by different mechanisms in adult life. It may be studied as an example of mediotemporal epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian G Bien
- Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany; Laboratory Krone, Bad Salzuflen, Germany.
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6
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Psychiatric symptoms in anti glutamic acid decarboxylase associated limbic encephalitis in adults: a systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 119:128-137. [PMID: 33022299 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis (LE) is a relatively new category of immune-mediated diseases with a wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms. LE associated with Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies is difficult to diagnose due to its possible atypical presentation with neuropsychiatric and behavioral features. We performed a systematic review of literature and retrieved 21 cases of anti GAD-associated LE with neuropsychiatric signs. Median age at onset was 27 years with a female predominance (81.0 %) and median diagnostic delay of 6 months. Clinical presentation included typical LE symptoms such as anterograde amnesia (95.2 %) and temporal lobe or tonico-clonic seizures (95.2 %). Psychiatric symptoms were described in 61.9 % of patients, presenting as anxiety, depressive symptoms, apathy and behavioral changes. Extra-limbic symptoms were present in 14.3 % of patients. No neoplasia associated was found. Some patients had poor epileptic, cognitive and psychiatric outcomes requiring prolonged immunosuppressive treatment. The description of the neuropsychiatric spectrum of anti-GAD LE and its specificities aims to improve our understanding of this entity, and may lead to earlier diagnosis as well as better outcome.
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Graus F, Saiz A, Dalmau J. GAD antibodies in neurological disorders — insights and challenges. Nat Rev Neurol 2020; 16:353-365. [DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-0359-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Li TR, Zhang YD, Wang Q, Shao XQ, Li ZM, Lv RJ. Intravenous methylprednisolone or immunoglobulin for anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibody autoimmune encephalitis: which is better? BMC Neurosci 2020; 21:13. [PMID: 32228575 PMCID: PMC7106675 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-020-00561-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients positive for anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) antibodies have attracted increasing attention. Their clinical manifestations are highly heterogeneous and can be comorbid with tumors. Currently, there is no consensus on the therapeutic regimen for anti-GAD65-associated neurological diseases due to the clinical complexity, rarity and sporadic distribution. We reported six anti-GAD65 autoimmune encephalitis (AE) patients who received intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) or immunoglobulin (IVIG) or both. Then, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of both by summarizing results in previous anti-GAD65 AE patients from 70 published references. RESULTS Our six patients all achieved clinical improvements in the short term. Unfortunately, there was no significant difference between IVMP and IVIG in terms of therapeutic response according to the previous references, and the effectiveness of IVMP and IVIG was 45.56% and 36.71%, respectively. We further divided the patients into different subgroups according to their prominent clinical manifestations. The response rates of IVMP and IVIG were 42.65% and 32.69%, respectively, in epilepsy patients; 60.00% and 77.78%, respectively, in patients with stiff-person syndrome; and 28.57% and 55.56%, respectively, in cerebellar ataxia patients. Among 29 anti-GAD65 AE patients with tumors, the response rates of IVMP and IVIG were 29.41% and 42.11%, respectively. There was no significant difference in effectiveness between the two regimens among the different subgroups. CONCLUSION Except for stiff-person syndrome, we found that this kind of AE generally has a poor response to IVMP or IVIG. Larger prospective studies enrolling large numbers of patients are required to identify the optimal therapeutic strategy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Ran Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, 45 Chang Chun Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Di Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qiu Shao
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Mei Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Juan Lv
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China.
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Baizabal-Carvallo JF. The neurological syndromes associated with glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies. J Autoimmun 2019; 101:35-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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10
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Jiang Y, Tian X, Gu Y, Li F, Wang X. Application of Plasma Exchange in Steroid-Responsive Encephalopathy. Front Immunol 2019; 10:324. [PMID: 30873174 PMCID: PMC6400967 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma exchange has been widely used in autoimmune neurological diseases and is the standard treatment for myasthenia gravis crisis and Guillain-Barre syndrome. A growing body of research suggests that, in the clinical application of steroid-responsive encephalopathy, such as for Hashimoto's encephalopathy, limbic encephalitis, systemic lupus erythematosus encephalopathy, ANCA-associated vasculitis encephalopathy, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, plasma exchange is a safe, and effective option when steroids or other immunosuppressive therapies are ineffective in the short term or when contraindications are present. Additionally, plasma exchange can also be used alone or in combination with steroids, immunoglobulins, or other immunosuppressive agents to treat steroid-responsive encephalopathy. This paper reviews the clinical application of plasma exchange in steroid-responsive encephalopathy, including its indications, onset time, course, curative effects, and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Jiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Tian
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yixue Gu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
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Moussa T, Afzal K, Cooper J, Rosenberger R, Gerstle K, Wagner-Weiner L. Pediatric anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis with catatonia: treatment with electroconvulsive therapy. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2019; 17:8. [PMID: 30777097 PMCID: PMC6378721 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-019-0310-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, an autoimmune disease associated with antibodies against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, is being diagnosed more frequently, especially in children and young adults. Acute neurological and psychiatric manifestations are the common presenting symptoms. Diagnosing anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is often challenging given the wide range of clinical presentation, and may be further complicated by its overlap of symptoms, brain MRI changes, and CSF findings with other entities affecting the brain. Even though diagnosis can be made by identifying antibodies in immune-mediated encephalitis, the diagnosis may be delayed by weeks to months. Delay in initiation of treatment with immune suppressive therapies is shown to be associated with adverse outcomes. Malignant catatonia is a severe and life-threatening state associated with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. It is often inadequately assessed and may not respond to immunosuppressive treatment. CASE PRESENTATION We present a confirmed case of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in a 16 year old girl who had severe critical neurological and psychiatric manifestations, including malignant catatonia and autonomic instability. Our patient continued to manifest malignant catatonia despite the initiation of prompt, aggressive immune suppressive therapies, including corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, intravenous gammaglobulin and rituximab, as well as treatment with high-dose benzodiazepines. Once electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) began, she had a robust response with resolution of her catatonia. Six weeks after treatment with eight ECT cycles, she had returned to her normal baseline cognitive and motor function. CONCLUSIONS ECT was an effective and well-tolerated therapy in our patient, and should be considered for the treatment of children with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis whose catatonia does not respond to immunosuppression and benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Moussa
- 0000 0000 8736 9513grid.412578.dSection of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 5044, Chicago, 60637 IL USA
| | - Khalid Afzal
- 0000 0000 8736 9513grid.412578.dSection of Pediatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, USA
| | - Joseph Cooper
- 0000 0000 8736 9513grid.412578.dDepartment of Psychiatry, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, USA
| | - Ryan Rosenberger
- 0000 0000 8736 9513grid.412578.dDepartment of Psychiatry, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, USA
| | - Karyn Gerstle
- 0000 0000 8736 9513grid.412578.dDepartment of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, USA
| | - Linda Wagner-Weiner
- Section of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 5044, Chicago, 60637, IL, USA.
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12
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Tohid H. Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody positive neurological syndromes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 21:215-22. [PMID: 27356651 PMCID: PMC5107286 DOI: 10.17712/nsj.2016.3.20150596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A rare kind of antibody, known as anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) autoantibody, is found in some patients. The antibody works against the GAD enzyme, which is essential in the formation of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the brain. Patients found with this antibody present with motor and cognitive problems due to low levels or lack of GABA, because in the absence or low levels of GABA patients exhibit motor and cognitive symptoms. The anti-GAD antibody is found in some neurological syndromes, including stiff-person syndrome, paraneoplastic stiff-person syndrome, Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), limbic encephalopathy, cerebellar ataxia, eye movement disorders, and epilepsy. Previously, excluding MFS, these conditions were calledhyperexcitability disorders. However, collectively, these syndromes should be known as "anti-GAD positive neurological syndromes." An important limitation of this study is that the literature is lacking on the subject, and why patients with the above mentioned neurological problems present with different symptoms has not been studied in detail. Therefore, it is recommended that more research is conducted on this subject to obtain a better and deeper understanding of these anti-GAD antibody induced neurological syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassaan Tohid
- Valley View Court, Fairfield, California, United States of America. E-mail:
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13
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Serial MRI images of an unusual presentation of anti-GAD encephalitis: A new pattern? J Neuroradiol 2017; 44:167-169. [PMID: 28162787 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurad.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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14
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Grilo E, Pinto J, Caetano JS, Pereira H, Cardoso P, Cardoso R, Dinis I, Pereira C, Fineza I, Mirante A. Type 1 diabetes and GAD65 limbic encephalitis: a case report of a 10-year-old girl. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2016; 29:985-90. [PMID: 27115322 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2016-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Limbic encephalitis is a rare neurological disorder that may be difficult to recognize. Clinical features include memory impairment, temporal lobe seizures and affective disturbance. We report the case of a 10-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes mellitus that presented with seizures, depressed mood and memory changes. The diagnosis of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) mediated limbic encephalitis relied on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging lesions and high serological and cerebrospinal fluid GAD65-antibodies titers. High-dose steroidal therapy was started with clinical improvement. Relapse led to a second high-dose steroid treatment followed by rituximab with remission. A correlation between serum GAD65-antibodies levels and symptoms was found, demonstrating GAD65-antibodies titers may be useful for clinical follow-up and immunotherapy guidance. This report raises awareness of this serious neurological condition that may be associated with type 1 diabetes, underlining the importance of an early diagnosis and prompt treatment for a better prognosis.
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15
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Limbic Encephalitis Associated With GAD65 Antibodies: Brief Review of the Relevant literature. Can J Neurol Sci 2016; 43:486-93. [DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2016.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AbstractRecently, many cases of autoimmune limbic encephalitis with positive GAD65 (glutamic acid decarboxylase) antibodies have been described in the scientific literature. However, it remains an understudied topic of great relevance to practicing neurologists. Thus, we report here a review of published cases, in English, of autoimmune limbic encephalitis with this type of antibodies, focusing on presenting symptoms and signs, associated conditions, and findings upon investigation. We also report treatment responses. We aim to offer a better description of the clinical spectrum of autoimmune limbic encephalitis associated with GAD65 antibodies as well as to expose its paraclinical features and outcome.
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Abstract
Over the last 15 years it has become clear that rare but highly recognizable diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), including newly identified forms of limbic encephalitis and other encephalopathies, are likely to be mediated by antibodies (Abs) to CNS proteins. The Abs are directed against membrane receptors and ion channel-associated proteins that are expressed on the surface of neurons in the CNS, such as N-methyl D-aspartate receptors and leucine-rich, glioma inactivated 1 protein and contactin-associated protein like 2, that are associated with voltage-gated potassium channels. The diseases are not invariably cancer-related and are therefore different from the classical paraneoplastic neurological diseases that are associated with, but not caused by, Abs to intracellular proteins. Most importantly, the new antibody-associated diseases almost invariably respond to immunotherapies with considerable and sometimes complete recovery, and there is convincing evidence of their pathogenicity in the relatively limited studies performed so far. Treatments include first-line steroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, and plasma exchange, and second-line rituximab and cyclophosphamide, followed in many cases by steroid-sparing agents in the long-term. This review focuses mainly on N-methyl D-aspartate receptor- and voltage-gated potassium channel complex-related Abs in adults, the clinical phenotypes, and treatment responses. Pediatric cases are referred to but not reviewed in detail. As there have been very few prospective studies, the conclusions regarding immunotherapies are based on retrospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Gastaldi
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Anaïs Thouin
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Sunwoo JS, Chu K, Byun JI, Moon J, Lim JA, Kim TJ, Lee ST, Jung KH, Park KI, Jeon D, Jung KY, Kim M, Lee SK. Intrathecal-specific glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies at low titers in autoimmune neurological disorders. J Neuroimmunol 2015; 290:15-21. [PMID: 26711563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2015.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (Gad-Abs) are implicated in various neurological syndromes. The present study aims to identify intrathecal-specific GAD-Abs and to determine clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes. Nineteen patients had GAD-Abs in cerebrospinal fluid but not in paired serum samples. Neurological syndromes included limbic encephalitis, temporal lobe epilepsy, cerebellar ataxia, autonomic dysfunction, and stiff-person syndrome. Immunotherapy had beneficial effects in 57.1% of patients, and the patients with limbic encephalitis responded especially well to immunotherapy. Intrathecal-specific antibodies to GAD at low titers may appear as nonspecific markers of immune activation within the central nervous system rather than pathogenic antibodies causing neuronal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Sang Sunwoo
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kon Chu
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Jung-Ick Byun
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jangsup Moon
- Department of Neurology, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine and Ewha Medical Research Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung-Ah Lim
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae-Joon Kim
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soon-Tae Lee
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keun-Hwa Jung
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Il Park
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Daejong Jeon
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ki-Young Jung
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Manho Kim
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Protein Metabolism Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Kun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea; Program in Neuroscience, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Bigi S, Hladio M, Twilt M, Dalmau J, Benseler SM. The growing spectrum of antibody-associated inflammatory brain diseases in children. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2015; 2:e92. [PMID: 25909091 PMCID: PMC4399215 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To describe the clinical spectrum, diagnostic evaluation, current management, and neurologic outcome of pediatric antibody-associated inflammatory brain diseases (AB-associated IBrainD). Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients aged ≤18 years diagnosed with an AB-associated IBrainD at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, between January 2005 and June 2013. Standardized clinical data, laboratory test results, neuroimaging features, and treatment regimens were captured. Results: Of 169 children (93 female, 55%) diagnosed with an IBrainD, 16 (10%) had an AB-associated IBrainD. Median age at presentation was 13.3 years (range 3.1–17.9); 11 (69%) were female. Nine patients (56%) had anti–NMDA receptor encephalitis, 4 (25%) had aquaporin-4 autoimmunity, 2 (13%) had Hashimoto encephalitis, and 1 (6%) had anti–glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) encephalitis. The key presenting features in children with anti–NMDA receptor encephalitis, Hashimoto encephalopathy, and anti-GAD65 encephalitis included encephalopathy, behavioral symptoms, and seizures; patients with aquaporin-4 autoimmunity showed characteristic focal neurologic deficits. Six patients (38%) required intensive care unit admission at presentation. Median time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 55 days (range 6–358). All but 1 patient received immunosuppressive therapy. One child with anti–NMDA receptor encephalitis died due to multiorgan failure. At last follow-up, after a median follow-up time of 1.7 years (range 0.8–3.7), 27% of the children had function-limiting neurologic sequelae. Conclusions: Children with AB-associated IBrainD represent an increasing subgroup among IBrainD; 1 in 4 children has function-limiting residual neurologic deficits. Awareness of the different clinical patterns is important in order to facilitate timely diagnosis and initiate immunosuppressive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Bigi
- Department of Pediatrics (S.B.), Division of Neurology; Department of Pediatrics (M.H.), Division of Rheumatology; and Department of Emergency Medicine and Research Institute (S.M.B.), The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics (S.B.), Division of Child Neurology, University Children's Hospital, Berne, Switzerland; Department of Pediatric Rheumatology (M.T.), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) and Biomedical Research Institute August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) (J.D.), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurology (J.D.), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; and Section of Rheumatology (S.M.B.), Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Manisha Hladio
- Department of Pediatrics (S.B.), Division of Neurology; Department of Pediatrics (M.H.), Division of Rheumatology; and Department of Emergency Medicine and Research Institute (S.M.B.), The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics (S.B.), Division of Child Neurology, University Children's Hospital, Berne, Switzerland; Department of Pediatric Rheumatology (M.T.), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) and Biomedical Research Institute August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) (J.D.), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurology (J.D.), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; and Section of Rheumatology (S.M.B.), Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marinka Twilt
- Department of Pediatrics (S.B.), Division of Neurology; Department of Pediatrics (M.H.), Division of Rheumatology; and Department of Emergency Medicine and Research Institute (S.M.B.), The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics (S.B.), Division of Child Neurology, University Children's Hospital, Berne, Switzerland; Department of Pediatric Rheumatology (M.T.), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) and Biomedical Research Institute August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) (J.D.), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurology (J.D.), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; and Section of Rheumatology (S.M.B.), Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Josep Dalmau
- Department of Pediatrics (S.B.), Division of Neurology; Department of Pediatrics (M.H.), Division of Rheumatology; and Department of Emergency Medicine and Research Institute (S.M.B.), The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics (S.B.), Division of Child Neurology, University Children's Hospital, Berne, Switzerland; Department of Pediatric Rheumatology (M.T.), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) and Biomedical Research Institute August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) (J.D.), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurology (J.D.), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; and Section of Rheumatology (S.M.B.), Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Susanne M Benseler
- Department of Pediatrics (S.B.), Division of Neurology; Department of Pediatrics (M.H.), Division of Rheumatology; and Department of Emergency Medicine and Research Institute (S.M.B.), The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics (S.B.), Division of Child Neurology, University Children's Hospital, Berne, Switzerland; Department of Pediatric Rheumatology (M.T.), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) and Biomedical Research Institute August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) (J.D.), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Spain; Department of Neurology (J.D.), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; and Section of Rheumatology (S.M.B.), Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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