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Kosek S, Burman J, Punga AR. Antibody-positive autoimmune encephalitis and paraneoplastic neurological syndrome: A Swedish case series. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3534. [PMID: 38702897 PMCID: PMC11069023 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and temporal disease course of patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS) in Sweden. METHODS Thirty-seven antibody-positive AE and PNS cases were identified in the Healthcare region Mid Sweden between 2015 and 2019. Clinical data were collected through a retrospective review of electronic health records. Patients were divided into three subgroups based on antibody type: neuronal surface antibodies (NSAbs), onconeural antibodies, and anti-GAD65 antibodies. RESULTS Nineteen patients had NSAbs, 11 onconeural antibodies, and seven anti-GAD65 antibodies. Anti-LGI1 and anti-NMDAR were the most frequently detected NSAbs, with anti-NMDAR cases having an older-than-expected age distribution (median age 40, range 17-72). Only 11 of 32 (30%) of patients had findings suggesting encephalitis on initial MRI, but 28 of 31 (90%) had pathological findings on initial cerebrospinal fluid analysis. All patients but one had abnormal EEG findings. Median time to immunotherapy was comparable among the three subgroups, whereas patients with anti-LGI1, anti-CASPR2, and anti-IgLON5 had an eightfold longer time to immunotherapy than anti-NMDAR and anti-GABA-B (p = .0016). There was a seasonal variation in onset for patients with non-tumor-related NSAbs and anti-GAD65 antibodies, with most patients (72%) falling ill in spring or summer. CONCLUSION Swedish patients with AE and PNS had similar clinical characteristics as previously described cohorts from other geographical regions except for anti-NMDAR encephalitis, with older onset than expected. The onset of non-tumor-related AE occurred predominantly in the warm seasons, and AE with a more insidious onset was associated with delayed treatment initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Kosek
- Department of Medical SciencesUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
- Centre for Clinical Research and EducationKarlstadSweden
| | - Joachim Burman
- Department of Medical SciencesUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
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2
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Williams T, John N, Doshi A, Chataway J. Adult inflammatory leukoencephalopathies. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 204:399-430. [PMID: 39322392 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-99209-1.00003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory white matter disorders may commonly mimic genetic leukoencephalopathies. These include atypical presentations of common conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, together with rare inflammatory disorders. A structured approach to such cases is essential, together with judicious use of the many available diagnostic biomarkers. The potential for such conditions to respond to immunotherapy emphasizes the importance of an accurate and prompt diagnosis in improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Williams
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Nevin John
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Anisha Doshi
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Chataway
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), London, United Kingdom
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3
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Iorio R, Lennon VA. Paraneoplastic autoimmune neurologic disorders associated with thymoma. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 200:385-396. [PMID: 38494291 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823912-4.00008-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Thymoma is often associated with paraneoplastic neurologic diseases. Neural autoantibody testing is an important tool aiding diagnosis of thymoma and its autoimmune neurologic complications. Autoantibodies specific for muscle striational antigens and ion channels of the ligand-gated nicotinic acetylcholine receptor superfamily are the most prevalent biomarkers. The autoimmune neurologic disorders associating most commonly with thymoma are myasthenia gravis (MG), peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (neuromyotonia and Morvan syndrome), dysautonomia, and encephalitis. Patients presenting with these neurologic disorders should be screened for thymoma at diagnosis. Although they can cause profound disability, they usually respond to immunotherapy and treatment of the thymoma. Worsening of the neurologic disorder following surgical removal of a thymoma may herald tumor recurrence. Prompt recognition of paraneoplastic neurologic disorders is critical for patient management. A multidisciplinary approach is required for optimal management of neurologic autoimmunity associated with thymoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Iorio
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Vanda A Lennon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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4
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Spagni G, Modoni A, Primiano G, Luigetti M, Sun B, Falso S, Monte G, Distefano M, Granata G, Evoli A, Damato V, Iorio R. Clinical, neurophysiological and serological clues for the diagnosis of neuromyotonia and distinction from cramp-fasciculation syndrome. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:636-642. [PMID: 37422355 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Neuromyotonia and cramp-fasciculation syndrome diagnosis currently relies on neurophysiological examination. In this study we investigated the clinical features and neural antibody profile of patients with neuromyotonia and cramp-fasciculation syndrome to assess the diagnostic value of serological testing. Available sera from adult patients with electromyography-defined neuromyotonia and cramp-fasciculation syndrome were tested for neural antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence on mouse brain sections and live cell-based assays. Forty patients were included, 14 with neuromyotonia and 26 with cramp-fasciculation syndrome. Neural antibodies were detected in 10/10 neuromyotonia sera, most commonly against contactin-associated protein 2 (7/10, 70%), and in 1/20 (5%) cramp-fasciculation syndrome sera. Clinical myokymia, hyperhidrosis, and paresthesia or neuropathic pain were more common in neuromyotonia and mostly associated with contactin-associated protein 2 antibodies. Central nervous system involvement was present in 4/14 (29%) neuromyotonia patients. A tumor was detected in 13/14 (93%) neuromyotonia patients (thymoma, 13), and in 4/26 (15%) with cramp-fasciculation syndrome (thymoma, 1; other neoplasms, 3). Twenty-one/27 (78%) patients achieved a significant improvement or complete remission. Our findings highlight clinical, neurophysiological and serological clues that can be useful in the diagnosis of neuromyotonia and cramp-fasciculation syndrome. Antibody testing is valuable for neuromyotonia diagnosis, while its usefulness in cramp-fasciculation syndrome confirmation is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio Spagni
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Modoni
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Organi di Senso e Torace, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Primiano
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Organi di Senso e Torace, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Luigetti
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Organi di Senso e Torace, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Bo Sun
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Silvia Falso
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Organi di Senso e Torace, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Monte
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Marisa Distefano
- UOC Neurologia e UTN, Ospedale Belcolle, Strada Sammartinese, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Granata
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Organi di Senso e Torace, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Amelia Evoli
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Organi di Senso e Torace, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valentina Damato
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Drugs and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Raffaele Iorio
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Organi di Senso e Torace, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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5
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Mueller C, Elben S, Day GS, Alves P, Hebert J, Tang-Wai DF, Holtmann O, Iorio R, Perani D, Titulaer MJ, Hansen N, Bartsch T, Johnen A, Illes Z, Borm L, Willison AG, Wiendl H, Meuth SG, Kovac S, Bölte J, Melzer N. Review and meta-analysis of neuropsychological findings in autoimmune limbic encephalitis with autoantibodies against LGI1, CASPR2, and GAD65 and their response to immunotherapy. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2022; 224:107559. [PMID: 36549220 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2022.107559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It is assumed that autoimmune limbic encephalitis (ALE) demonstrates distinct neuropsychological manifestations with differential responses to immunotherapy according to which associated autoantibody (AAB), if any, is identified. Towards investigating whether this is the case, this study aims to summarize respective findings from the primary literature on ALE with AABs binding to cell surface neural antigens and ALE with AABs against intracellular neural antigens. METHODS We chose ALE with AABs against leucine-rich, glioma inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) and contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2) as the most frequent cell surface membrane antigens, and ALE with AABs to Embryonic Lethal, Abnormal Vision, Like 1 (ELAVL) proteins (anti-Hu) and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) as the most frequent intracellular neural antigens. The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched on March 1st, 2021 for neuropsychological test and -screening data from patients with ALE of these AAB-types. Findings were reviewed according to AAB-type and immunotherapy status and are presented in a review section and are further statistically evaluated and presented in a meta-analysis section in this publication. RESULTS Of the 1304 initial hits, 32 studies on ALE with AABs against LGI1, CASPR2, and GAD65 reporting cognitive screening data could be included in a review. In ALE with AABs against LGI1, CASPR2 and GAD65, memory deficits are the most frequently reported deficits. However, deficits in attention and executive functions including working memory, fluency, and psychological function have also been reported. This review shows that ALE patients with AABs against both LGI1 and CASPR2 show higher percentages of neuropsychological deficits compared to ALE patients with AABs against GAD65 before and after initiation of immunotherapy. However, the methodologies used in these studies were heterogenous, and longitudinal studies were not comparable. Moreover, 21 studies including ALE patients with AABs against LGI1 and GAD65 were also suitable for meta-analysis. No suitable study on ALE with AABs against ELAVL proteins could be identified. Meta-Analyses could be executed for cognitive screening data and only partially, due to the small number of studies. However, in statistical analysis no consistent effect of AAB or immunotherapy on performance in cognitive screening tests could be found. CONCLUSION Currently, there is no definite evidence supporting the notion that different AAB-types of ALE exhibit distinct neuropsychological manifestations and respond differently to immunotherapy. Overall, we could not identify evidence for any effect of immunotherapy on cognition in ALE. More systematic, in-depth and longitudinal neuropsychological assessments of patients with different AAB-types of ALE are required in the future to investigate these aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Mueller
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Saskia Elben
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Gregory S Day
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, United States.
| | - Pedro Alves
- Serviço de Neurologia, Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHULN, Lisboa, Portugal; Laboratório de Estudos de Linguagem, Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Julien Hebert
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - David F Tang-Wai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Memory Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital (University Health Network), Toronto, Canada.
| | - Olga Holtmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, Westfälische Wilhelms-University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Raffaele Iorio
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniela Perani
- Division of Neuroscience, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina, 58, 20132 Milano, MI, Italy.
| | - Maarten J Titulaer
- Department of Neurology, Neuropsychology and Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Niels Hansen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Thorsten Bartsch
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 10, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Andreas Johnen
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Zslot Illes
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000 Odense, Denmark.
| | - Leah Borm
- Institute of Psychology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University of Münster, Fliednerstraße 21, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Alice G Willison
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany; Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Stjepana Kovac
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Jens Bölte
- Institute of Psychology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University of Münster, Fliednerstraße 21, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Nico Melzer
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany; Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Campetella L, Papi C, Sabatelli E, Marini S, Iorio R. Real-world application of the updated diagnostic criteria for paraneoplastic neurological syndromes. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 372:577972. [PMID: 36202000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Following recent discoveries, diagnostic criteria for paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) have been recently updated. However, how the criteria impact PNS diagnosis is still unclear. We retrospectively applied the previously existing 2004 criteria (2004-c) and the updated 2021 diagnostic criteria (2021-c) to 74 patients with suspect PNS. The 2021 criteria were highly sensitive (88%) and specific (80%). There was good concordance between the definite PNS group (2004-c) and the definite plus probable PNS group (2021-c). The inter-rater reliability for the 2021-c was excellent. The application of the 2021 criteria improves the diagnosis of patients with PNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Campetella
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Papi
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Sabatelli
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sofia Marini
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Iorio
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; Institute of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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7
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Zhang S, Mao C, Li X, Miao W, Teng J. Advances in Potential Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers for Autoimmune Encephalitis: A Review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:746653. [PMID: 35937071 PMCID: PMC9355282 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.746653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a severe inflammatory disease of the brain. Patients with AE demonstrate amnesia, seizures, and psychosis. Recent studies have identified numerous associated autoantibodies (e.g., against NMDA receptors (NMDARs), LGI1, etc.) involved in the pathogenesis of AE, and the levels of diagnosis and treatment are thus improved dramatically. However, there are drawbacks of clinical diagnosis and treatment based solely on antibody levels, and thus the application of additional biomarkers is urgently needed. Considering the important role of immune mechanisms in AE development, we summarize the relevant research progress in identifying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers with a focus on cytokines/chemokines, demyelination, and nerve damage.
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8
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Iorio R, Sabatelli E, Campetella L, Papi C. Isolated Memory Loss in Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis. NEUROLOGY - NEUROIMMUNOLOGY NEUROINFLAMMATION 2022; 9:9/2/e1128. [PMID: 34937738 PMCID: PMC8696551 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives To report a case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis presenting with isolated memory dysfunction. Methods A 29-year-old woman was admitted to the Neurology Department referring memory impairment with a subacute onset. The initial assessment included EEG, neuropsychological tests, and brain MRI. Serum and CSF samples were collected for immunologic studies. The diagnostic evaluation was completed with a total body PET scan. Results Patient's neurologic examination was unremarkable apart from an episodic memory deficit, confirmed by neuropsychological examination. The EEG revealed epileptiform discharges in the temporal lobes, whereas brain MRI showed bilateral temporal lobes hyperintense lesions on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images and T2-weighted images. NMDAR-IgG was detected in the patient's serum and CSF by cell-based assay confirming the diagnosis of definite anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The total body PET showed only a slight hypometabolism in the right temporal cortex and in the cerebellar hemispheres. After a course of IV immunoglobulin and corticosteroid therapy, a marked improvement of the memory deficit was observed. Discussion This case shows that anti-NMDAR encephalitis can present with isolated memory loss. Neural antibody testing in these patients could play a pivotal role in early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
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9
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Damato V, Papi C, Spagni G, Evoli A, Silvestri G, Masi G, Sabatelli E, Campetella L, McKeon A, Andreetta F, Riso V, Monte G, Luigetti M, Primiano G, Calabresi P, Iorio R. Clinical features and outcome of patients with autoimmune cerebellar ataxia evaluated with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia. Eur J Neurol 2022; 29:564-572. [PMID: 34710286 PMCID: PMC9564532 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study was undertaken to assess the long-term outcome of patients with paraneoplastic and non paraneoplastic autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (ACA) using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). METHODS Patients with subacute cerebellar ataxia admitted to our institution between September 2012 and April 2020 were prospectively recruited. Serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid was tested for neural autoantibodies by indirect immunofluorescence on mouse brain, cell-based assays, and radioimmunoassay. SARA and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score were employed to assess patients' outcome. RESULTS Fifty-five patients were recruited, of whom 23 (42%) met the criteria for cerebellar ataxia of autoimmune etiology. Neural autoantibodies were detected in 22 of 23 patients (Yo-immunoglobulin G [IgG], n = 6; glutamic acid decarboxylase 65-IgG, n = 3; metabotropic glutamate receptor 1-IgG, n = 2; voltage-gated calcium channel P/Q type-IgG, n = 2; Hu-IgG, n = 1; glial fibrillary acidic protein-IgG, n = 1; IgG-binding unclassified antigens, n = 7). Thirteen patients were diagnosed with paraneoplastic cerebellar syndrome (PCS) and 10 with idiopathic ACA. All patients received immunotherapy. Median SARA score was higher in the PCS group at all time points (p = 0.0002), while it decreased significantly within the ACA group (p = 0.049) after immunotherapy. Patients with good outcome (mRS ≤ 2) had less neurological disability (SARA < 15) at disease nadir (p = 0.039) and presented less frequently with paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (p = 0.0028). The univariate linear regression model revealed a good correlation between mRS and SARA score both at disease onset (p < 0.0001) and at last follow-up (p < 0.0001). SARA score < 11 identified patients with good outcome. CONCLUSIONS Patients with idiopathic ACA significantly improved after immunotherapy. SARA score accurately reflects patients' clinical status and may be a suitable outcome measure for patients with ACA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Damato
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS. Rome, Italy,Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Papi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
| | - Gregorio Spagni
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
| | - Amelia Evoli
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS. Rome, Italy,Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Silvestri
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS. Rome, Italy,Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
| | - Gianvito Masi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Sabatelli
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Campetella
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
| | - Andrew McKeon
- Departments of Neurology and Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Francesca Andreetta
- Neurology Unit IV, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Vittorio Riso
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Monte
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Luigetti
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS. Rome, Italy,Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Primiano
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS. Rome, Italy,Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS. Rome, Italy,Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Iorio
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS. Rome, Italy,Dipartimento di Neuroscienze. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Rome, Italy
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Zuliani L, Marangoni S, De Gaspari P, Rosellini I, Nosadini M, Fleming JM, De Riva V, Galloni E, Perini F, Frigo AC, Sartori S, Zoccarato M, Giometto B. Epidemiology of neuronal surface antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis and antibody-based diagnostics. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 357:577598. [PMID: 34099270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic data on neuronal surface antibody (NSAb)-associated autoimmune encephalitides (NSAE) are scarce and heterogeneous. We review our 13-year-long biobank-data collection and provide the incidence of NSAE in two Italian provinces (approx. Population of 1,400,000) over a 5-year period (July 2013-June 2018). NSAbs were diagnosed in 75 out of 1179 tested patients (6.4%). The most common NSAbs were anti-LGI1 (30 cases), followed by NMDAR (24). Eleven cases of NSAE were diagnosed in Treviso and Trento provinces with an estimated incidence of 1.54 per 1,000,000 population (LGI1-encephalitis 0.84; C.I. 0.38-1.88). LGI1-E is the most frequent NSAE among adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Zuliani
- Department of Neurology, Ospedale San Bortolo, Azienda ULSS8 Berica, Via Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy; Neuroimmunology Group, Pediatric Research Institute "Città della Speranza", Padova, Italy.
| | | | - Piera De Gaspari
- Neuroimmunology Group, Pediatric Research Institute "Città della Speranza", Padova, Italy
| | - Irene Rosellini
- Department of Neurology, Azienda ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Margherita Nosadini
- Neuroimmunology Group, Pediatric Research Institute "Città della Speranza", Padova, Italy; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera-University of Padua Medical School, Italy
| | - Joanne M Fleming
- Department of Neurology, O.S.A., Azienda Ospedaliera-University of Padua Medical School, Italy
| | - Valentina De Riva
- Department of Neurology, Ospedale San Bortolo, Azienda ULSS8 Berica, Via Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Galloni
- Department of Neurology, Ospedale San Bortolo, Azienda ULSS8 Berica, Via Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Francesco Perini
- Department of Neurology, Ospedale San Bortolo, Azienda ULSS8 Berica, Via Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Anna Chiara Frigo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliera-University of Padua Medical School, Italy
| | - Stefano Sartori
- Neuroimmunology Group, Pediatric Research Institute "Città della Speranza", Padova, Italy; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera-University of Padua Medical School, Italy
| | - Marco Zoccarato
- Neuroimmunology Group, Pediatric Research Institute "Città della Speranza", Padova, Italy; Department of Neurology, O.S.A., Azienda Ospedaliera-University of Padua Medical School, Italy
| | - Bruno Giometto
- Department of Neurology, Ospedale Santa Chiara, Trento, Italy
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11
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Masi G, Spagni G, Campetella L, Monte G, Sabatelli E, Evoli A, Papi C, Iorio R. Assessing the role of a tissue-based assay in the diagnostic algorithm of autoimmune encephalitis. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 356:577601. [PMID: 33975245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tissue-based assay (TBA) is a widely-used method to detect neural autoantibodies, but the diagnostic accuracy for autoimmune encephalitis (AE) has not yet been adequately measured. We retrospectively evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of an indirect immunofluorescence TBA (IIF-TBA) in 159 patients with suspected AE. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were collected and tested from December 2012 to September 2020. In the paired sample analysis, serum testing showed higher sensitivity than CSF, while the latter had higher specificity. Based on these results, we clarify the advantages of using a TBA as the principal screening method for patients with suspected AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianvito Masi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gregorio Spagni
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Campetella
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Monte
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Sabatelli
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Amelia Evoli
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Papi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Iorio
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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12
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Bien CG. Neural autoantibodies and autoimmune encephalitis – the conjunction of both counts. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:1803-1804. [DOI: 10.1111/ene.14379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C. G. Bien
- Epilepsy Centre Bethel Krankenhaus Mara Bielefeld Germany
- Laboratory Krone Bad Salzuflen Germany
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