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Su M, Luo Q, Wu Z, Feng H, Zhou H. Thymoma-associated autoimmune encephalitis with myasthenia gravis: Case series and literature review. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14568. [PMID: 38421083 PMCID: PMC10850820 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14568] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This comprehensive review aimed to compile cases of patients with thymoma diagnosed with both autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and myasthenia gravis (MG), and describe their clinical characteristics. METHODS Clinical records of 3 AE patients in the first affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were reviewed. All of them were diagnosed with AE between 1 November 2021 and 1 March 2022, and clinical evidence about thymoma and MG was found. All published case reports were searched for comprehensive literature from January 1990 to June 2022. RESULTS A total of 18 cases diagnosed with thymoma-associated autoimmune encephalitis (TAAE) and thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis (TAMG) were included in this complication, wherein 3 cases were in the first affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and the other 15 were published case reports. 5/18 patients had alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor antibody (AMPAR-Ab) in their serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). All of them had positive anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab). And 12/18 patients showed a positive response to thymectomy and immunotherapy. Besides, thymoma recurrences were detected because of AE onset. And the shortest interval between operation and AE onset was 2 years in patients with thymoma recurrence. CONCLUSIONS There was no significant difference in the clinical manifestations between these patients and others with only TAMG or TAAE. TAAE was commonly associated with AMPAR2-Ab. Significantly, AE more commonly heralded thymoma recurrences than MG onset. And the intervals of thymectomy and MG or AE onset had different meanings for thymoma recurrence and prognoses of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Su
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qiuyan Luo
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of NeurologyGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Zichao Wu
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Huiyu Feng
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hongyan Zhou
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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2
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Casagrande S, Zuliani L, Grisold W. Paraneoplastic encephalitis. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 200:131-149. [PMID: 38494274 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823912-4.00019-0] [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
The first reports of encephalitis associated with cancer date to the 1960s and were characterized by clinical and pathologic involvement of limbic areas. This specific association was called limbic encephalitis (LE). The subsequent discovery of several "onconeural" antibodies (Abs), i.e., Abs targeting an antigen shared by neurons and tumor cells, supported the hypothesis of an autoimmune paraneoplastic etiology of LE and other forms of rapidly progressive encephalopathy. Over the past 20 years, similar clinical pictures with different clinical courses have been described in association with novel Abs-binding neuronal membrane proteins and proved to be pathogenic. The most well-known encephalitis in this group was described in 2007 as an association of a complex neuro-psychiatric syndrome, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-Abs, and ovarian teratoma in young women. Later on, nonparaneoplastic cases of NMDA receptor encephalitis were also described. Since then, the historical concept of LE and Ab associated encephalitis has changed. Some of these occur in fact more commonly in the absence of a malignancy (e.g., anti-LG1 Abs). Lastly, seronegative cases were also described. The term paraneoplastic encephalitis nowadays encompasses different syndromes that may be triggered by occult tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Casagrande
- Neurology Unit, Rovereto Hospital, Trento, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Luigi Zuliani
- Department of Neurology, San Bortolo Hospital, Azienda ULSS8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Grisold
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Masciocchi S, Businaro P, Scaranzin S, Morandi C, Franciotta D, Gastaldi M. General features, pathogenesis, and laboratory diagnostics of autoimmune encephalitis. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2024; 61:45-69. [PMID: 37777038 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2023.2247482] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a group of inflammatory conditions that can associate with the presence of antibodies directed to neuronal intracellular, or cell surface antigens. These disorders are increasingly recognized as an important differential diagnosis of infectious encephalitis and of other common neuropsychiatric conditions. Autoantibody diagnostics plays a pivotal role for accurate diagnosis of AE, which is of utmost importance for the prompt recognition and early treatment. Several AE subgroups can be identified, either according to the prominent clinical phenotype, presence of a concomitant tumor, or type of neuronal autoantibody, and recent diagnostic criteria have provided important insights into AE classification. Antibodies to neuronal intracellular antigens typically associate with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes and poor prognosis, whereas antibodies to synaptic/neuronal cell surface antigens characterize many AE subtypes that associate with tumors less frequently, and that are often immunotherapy-responsive. In addition to the general features of AE, we review current knowledge on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these disorders, focusing mainly on the potential role of neuronal antibodies in the most frequent conditions, and highlight current theories and controversies. Then, we dissect the crucial aspects of the laboratory diagnostics of neuronal antibodies, which represents an actual challenge for both pathologists and neurologists. Indeed, this diagnostics entails technical difficulties, along with particularly interesting novel features and pitfalls. The novelties especially apply to the wide range of assays used, including specific tissue-based and cell-based assays. These assays can be developed in-house, usually in specialized laboratories, or are commercially available. They are widely used in clinical immunology and in clinical chemistry laboratories, with relevant differences in analytic performance. Indeed, several data indicate that in-house assays could perform better than commercial kits, notwithstanding that the former are based on non-standardized protocols. Moreover, they need expertise and laboratory facilities usually unavailable in clinical chemistry laboratories. Together with the data of the literature, we critically evaluate the analytical performance of the in-house vs commercial kit-based approach. Finally, we propose an algorithm aimed at integrating the present strategies of the laboratory diagnostics in AE for the best clinical management of patients with these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Masciocchi
- Neuroimmunology Research Section, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pietro Businaro
- Neuroimmunology Research Section, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Scaranzin
- Neuroimmunology Research Section, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Morandi
- Neuroimmunology Research Section, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Diego Franciotta
- Neuroimmunology Research Section, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Gastaldi
- Neuroimmunology Research Section, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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4
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Song W, Li K, Li J, Liu X, Wu X, Xu X, Xiong K, Chen X, Zhang Y. Thymoma-associated autoimmune encephalitis: Analysis of factors determining prognosis. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:1213-1221. [PMID: 36914970 PMCID: PMC10068466 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14166] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a heterogeneous group of inflammatory central nervous system disorders caused by a misdirected immune response against self-antigens expressed in the central nervous system. The thymus is a central organ in the immune system and thymic tumors are thought to be possible initiators of many neurological disorders. Recently, there is growing evidence that thymomas are associated with autoimmune encephalitis. AIMS Our study initially explored the characteristics of patients with autoimmune encephalitis combined with thymoma. METHODS We used patient data from January 1, 2011 to October 1, 2021 from the PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, and CNKI platforms to analyze overall demographics, frequency of symptoms and associations, and treatment prognosis outcomes. RESULTS A total of 68 patients were included. There were 39 female cases (57.4%). The mean age was 50 years (IQR 40-66 years). All had acute and subacute onset. The clinical manifestations were mostly cognitive changes (70.6%), mental disorders (57.4%), and epilepsy (50.0%). The most common neuronal antibody was alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities were present in 81.0% of patients, mostly in the hippocampus, temporal lobe, and some in cortical and subcortical areas. Abnormalities in the electroencephalogram (EEG) in 69.8% of patients. Treatment involved immunotherapy and thymoma treatment, with 79.7% of patients improving after treatment. While 20.3% of patients had a poor prognosis. Further, 14.8% of patients relapsed. Mental disorders, autonomic dysfunction, sleep disturbances, anti-Ma2, and thymoma untreated were more frequent in patients with poor prognosis. CONCLUSION Thymoma-associated autoimmune encephalitis is a unique disease entity. Long-term follow-up of chest CT findings is recommended for patients with autoimmune encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Song
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Keru Li
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoni Liu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital and Institute of Neurology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoke Wu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Xu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kangping Xiong
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital and Institute of Neurology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanlin Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Cytokines/chemokines and soluble immune checkpoint molecules in anti-GABA B receptor encephalitis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104234. [PMID: 36270252 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-gamma-aminobutyric-acid B receptor (anti-GABABR) encephalitis is a rare form of autoimmune limbic encephalitis (ALE) that is closely associated with tumor comorbidity. The purpose of this study is to identify the expressive pattern of cytokines/ chemokines and soluble immune checkpoint molecules (sICMs) in anti-GABABR encephalitis in order to evaluate the clinical condition and provide new treatment options. METHODS A total of 40 cytokines/chemokines and 10 sICMs in the serum of 10 patients with anti-GABABR encephalitis and eight controls were measured. The differentially expressed cytokines/chemokines and sICMs were selected to explore the correlations with disease prognosis, CSF routine and antibody titers. RESULTS Eight cytokines/chemokines were found to be more abundant in patients than in healthy donors (HDs), while 14 were found to be less abundant in patients. In terms of sICMs, patients' serum contained higher level of soluble ICOS and ICOSL but lower level of soluble CD86. Unfavorable prognosis was associated with high serum level of PDGFB, IL-17A, and soluble ICOSL but not with low levels of IL-4. Increased levels of IL-17A, CCL15, and soluble ICOS were found frequently in the patients with CSF-exclusive OCBs, while soluble ICOSL and CCL24 expression was lower in these patients. High levels of IL-1 F2 and TCA-3 were correlated with the presence of tumors in patients. CONCLUSION The majority of patients with anti- GABABR encephalitis had an unfavorable prognosis in one year of follow-up. Serum PDGFB, IL-17A, IL-4 and soluble ICOSL level were associated with the poor clinical outcomes in one-year follow up.
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6
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Yasumizu Y, Ohkura N, Murata H, Kinoshita M, Funaki S, Nojima S, Kido K, Kohara M, Motooka D, Okuzaki D, Suganami S, Takeuchi E, Nakamura Y, Takeshima Y, Arai M, Tada S, Okumura M, Morii E, Shintani Y, Sakaguchi S, Okuno T, Mochizuki H. Myasthenia gravis-specific aberrant neuromuscular gene expression by medullary thymic epithelial cells in thymoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4230. [PMID: 35869073 PMCID: PMC9305039 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31951-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMyasthenia gravis (MG) is a neurological disease caused by autoantibodies against neuromuscular-associated proteins. While MG frequently develops in thymoma patients, the etiologic factors for MG are not well understood. Here, by constructing a comprehensive atlas of thymoma using bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing, we identify ectopic expression of neuromuscular molecules in MG-type thymoma. These molecules are found within a distinct subpopulation of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), which we name neuromuscular mTECs (nmTECs). MG-thymoma also exhibits microenvironments dedicated to autoantibody production, including ectopic germinal center formation, T follicular helper cell accumulation, and type 2 conventional dendritic cell migration. Cell–cell interaction analysis also predicts the interaction between nmTECs and T/B cells via CXCL12-CXCR4. The enrichment of nmTECs presenting neuromuscular molecules within MG-thymoma is further confirmed immunohistochemically and by cellular composition estimation from the MG-thymoma transcriptome. Altogether, this study suggests that nmTECs have a significant function in MG pathogenesis via ectopic expression of neuromuscular molecules.
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7
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Feng X, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Zhang J, Yu S, Lv J, Zu Y, Wang L, Wang X. Clinical characteristics and prognosis of anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-B receptor encephalitis: A single-center, longitudinal study in China. Front Neurol 2022; 13:949843. [PMID: 36188394 PMCID: PMC9520521 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.949843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-B receptor (GABABR) encephalitis is a rare type of autoimmune encephalitis. There are only a few, small, published studies regarding prognosis, so prediction of prognosis is of limited accuracy. We identified 37 cases of anti-GABABR encephalitis in China. Here, we present these patients' clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes. Methods We collected and retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 37 patients with anti-GABABR encephalitis from Beijing Fengtai You'anmen Hospital. Results The study cohort comprised 37 patients of anti-GABABR encephalitis of median age 61 years (range: 11–77), 28 of whom were male. The main clinical manifestations were epilepsy (91.9%, 34/37), psychiatric disorders (94.6%, 35/37) and cognitive impairment (97.3%, 36/37). Tumors were identified in 18 (48.6%) patients. First-line immunotherapy was administered to 34 patients, 31 of whom (90.6%) responded favorably. During a median follow-up of 18 months (range: 1–72 months), 21 patients had good outcomes [Modified Ranking Scale (mRS ≤2)], 16 (43.2%) died (mRS 6), and 7 (18.9%) relapsed. Age (P = 0.005), disturbance of consciousness (P = 0.018), admission to the Neurology Intensive Care Unit (P = 0.003), mechanical ventilation (P = 0.009), more numerous clinical manifestations (P = 0.008), comorbid malignancy (P = 0.008), multiple anti-neuronal antibodies (P = 0.029), and hyponatremia (P = 0.023) differed significantly between patients with good outcomes (mRS 0–2) and those with poor outcomes (mRS 3–6). Conclusion Men aged 50–70 years accounted for most of the patients with anti-GABABR encephalitis in our case series. The main clinical manifestations were epilepsy and neuropsychiatric dysfunction. The participants often had concomitant lung cancer, particularly small-cell lung cancer. Patients with lung tumors and/or serious manifestations usually had a poor prognosis with high mortality. Early identification and treatment of tumors improved the poor prognosis to some extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Fengtai You'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xuedan Feng
| | - Yujing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Fengtai You'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Fengtai You'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shasha Yu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Fengtai You'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Lv
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Fengtai You'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Fengtai You'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangbo Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) refers to immune-mediated neurological syndromes often characterised by the detection of pathogenic autoantibodies in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid which target extracellular epitopes of neuroglial antigens. There is increasing evidence these autoantibodies directly modulate function of their antigens in vivo. Early treatment with immunotherapy improves outcomes. Yet, these patients commonly exhibit chronic disability. Importantly, optimal therapeutic strategies at onset and during escalation remain poorly understood. In this review of a rapidly emerging field, we evaluate recent studies on larger cohorts, registries, and meta-analyses to highlight existing evidence for contemporary therapeutic approaches in AE. RECENT FINDINGS We highlight acute and long-term treatments used in specific AE syndromes, exemplify how understanding disease pathogenesis can inform precision therapy and outline challenges of defining disability outcomes in AE. SUMMARY Early first-line immunotherapies, including corticosteroids and plasma exchange, improve outcomes, with emerging evidence showing second-line immunotherapies (especially rituximab) reduce relapse rates. Optimal timing of immunotherapy escalation remains unclear. Routine reporting of outcome measures which incorporate cognitive impairment, fatigue, pain, and mental health will permit more accurate quantification of residual disability and comprehensive comparisons between international multicentre cohorts, and enable future meta-analyses with the aim of developing evidence-based therapeutic guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P Trewin
- Translational Neuroimmunology Group, Kids Neuroscience Centre, Children's Hospital at Westmead; Sydney Medical School and Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Isaak Freeman
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sudarshini Ramanathan
- Translational Neuroimmunology Group, Kids Neuroscience Centre, Children's Hospital at Westmead; Sydney Medical School and Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarosh R Irani
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
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Rare antibody-mediated and seronegative autoimmune encephalitis: An update. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103118. [PMID: 35595048 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Paralleling advances with respect to more common antibody-mediated encephalitides, such as anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) Ab-mediated encephalitis, the discovery and characterisation of novel antibody-mediated encephalitides accelerated over the past decade, adding further depth etiologically to the spectrum of antibody-mediated encephalitis. Herein, we review the major mechanistic, clinical features and management considerations with respect to anti-γ-aminobutyric acid B (GABAB)-, anti-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropinoic receptor- (AMPAR), anti-GABAA-, anti-dipeptidyl-peptidase-like protein-6 (DPPX) Ab-mediated encephalitides, delineate rarer subtypes and summarise findings to date regarding seronegative autoimmune encephalitis.
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10
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Greenlee JE, Carlson NG, Abbatemarco JR, Herdlevær I, Clardy SL, Vedeler CA. Paraneoplastic and Other Autoimmune Encephalitides: Antineuronal Antibodies, T Lymphocytes, and Questions of Pathogenesis. Front Neurol 2022; 12:744653. [PMID: 35111121 PMCID: PMC8801577 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.744653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune and paraneoplastic encephalitides represent an increasingly recognized cause of devastating human illness as well as an emerging area of neurological injury associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Two groups of antibodies have been detected in affected patients. Antibodies in the first group are directed against neuronal cell surface membrane proteins and are exemplified by antibodies directed against the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR), found in patients with autoimmune encephalitis, and antibodies directed against the leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 protein (anti-LGI1), associated with faciobrachial dystonic seizures and limbic encephalitis. Antibodies in this group produce non-lethal neuronal dysfunction, and their associated conditions often respond to treatment. Antibodies in the second group, as exemplified by anti-Yo antibody, found in patients with rapidly progressive cerebellar syndrome, and anti-Hu antibody, associated with encephalomyelitis, react with intracellular neuronal antigens. These antibodies are characteristically found in patients with underlying malignancy, and neurological impairment is the result of neuronal death. Within the last few years, major advances have been made in understanding the pathogenesis of neurological disorders associated with antibodies against neuronal cell surface antigens. In contrast, the events that lead to neuronal death in conditions associated with antibodies directed against intracellular antigens, such as anti-Yo and anti-Hu, remain poorly understood, and the respective roles of antibodies and T lymphocytes in causing neuronal injury have not been defined in an animal model. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of these two groups of antibodies in terms of their discovery, how they arise, the interaction of both types of antibodies with their molecular targets, and the attempts that have been made to reproduce human neuronal injury in tissue culture models and experimental animals. We then discuss the emerging area of autoimmune neuronal injury associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and the implications of current research for the treatment of affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Greenlee
- Neurology Service, George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Noel G Carlson
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Justin R Abbatemarco
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ida Herdlevær
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stacey L Clardy
- Neurology Service, George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Christian A Vedeler
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Recurrent anti-NMDAR encephalitis during pregnancy combined with two antibodies positive. Arch Womens Ment Health 2021; 24:1045-1050. [PMID: 33835270 PMCID: PMC8585817 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-021-01124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune synaptic encephalitis likely mediated by neuronal surface antibody. Clinically, it is characterized by a variety of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, predominantly affecting young women. Recurrent anti-NMDAR cases combined with double-antibody positive during pregnancy have not been reported. We report a 19-year-old pregnant woman with recurrent anti-NMDAR encephalitis and double-antibody positive. Through our case report and a review of the literature, we hope to heighten an awareness of anti-NMDAR encephalitis, particularly in a pregnant setting.
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12
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Wen X, Wang B, Wang C, Han C, Guo S. A Retrospective Study of Patients with GABA BR Encephalitis: Therapy, Disease Activity and Prognostic Factors. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:99-110. [PMID: 33500619 PMCID: PMC7822224 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s289942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the effects of immunotherapy and tumour treatment on patients with GABABR encephalitis, evaluate the correlation between immune cell subsets and disease activity, and investigate effective prognostic factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty patients with γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor (GABABR) encephalitis were enrolled from December 2015 to April 2020. The clinical data, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, prognosis and percentage of serum lymphocytes were recorded. RESULTS All patients received first-line immunotherapy. The median mRS scores were 4 and 3 before and after first-line immunotherapy (P<0.01). Seven patients received second-line immunotherapy and had median mRS scores of 3 and 2 before and after second-line immunotherapy (P=0.015). Small-cell lung cancer was detected in twelve patients. Among the patients who died because of tumours, patients who received tumour treatment lived longer than patients who did not receive tumour treatment (P=0.025). All four surviving patients who received tumour treatment had good outcomes (mRS≤2). The median serum CD19+B cell percentage in sixteen patients were 20.00% and 13.42% prior first-line immunotherapy and at the last follow-up (P<0.01). After a maximum follow-up of 54 months (median: 12; range: 3-54), eleven patients (55%) had a poor prognosis (mRS>2). Predictors of a poor prognosis were older age (P=0.031), delayed initial improvement after immunotherapy (>4 weeks) (P=0.038) and respiratory failure (P=0.038). CONCLUSION Aggressive immunotherapy and tumour treatment contribute to improvements in neurological function and a better prognosis of patients with GABABR encephalitis. The serum CD19+B cell percentage may be an indicator of disease activity. Older age, delayed initial improvement after immunotherapy, and respiratory failure may be associated with poor outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangchuan Wen
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Baojie Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunjuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenglin Han
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Shougang Guo
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, People's Republic of China
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13
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Virupakshaiah A, Dalakas MC, Desai N, Mintzer S, Ratliff J. LGI1 encephalitis with squamous lung-cell carcinoma: Resolution after tumor resection. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2020; 8:8/1/e905. [PMID: 33037051 PMCID: PMC7577548 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Akash Virupakshaiah
- From the Department of Neurology (A.V., M.C.D., N.D., S.M., J.R.), Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; and Neuroimmunology Unit (M.C.D.), Department of Pathophysiology Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Marinos C Dalakas
- From the Department of Neurology (A.V., M.C.D., N.D., S.M., J.R.), Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; and Neuroimmunology Unit (M.C.D.), Department of Pathophysiology Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Neeja Desai
- From the Department of Neurology (A.V., M.C.D., N.D., S.M., J.R.), Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; and Neuroimmunology Unit (M.C.D.), Department of Pathophysiology Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Scott Mintzer
- From the Department of Neurology (A.V., M.C.D., N.D., S.M., J.R.), Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; and Neuroimmunology Unit (M.C.D.), Department of Pathophysiology Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Jeffrey Ratliff
- From the Department of Neurology (A.V., M.C.D., N.D., S.M., J.R.), Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; and Neuroimmunology Unit (M.C.D.), Department of Pathophysiology Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
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14
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Ramanathan S, Al-Diwani A, Waters P, Irani SR. The autoantibody-mediated encephalitides: from clinical observations to molecular pathogenesis. J Neurol 2019; 268:1689-1707. [PMID: 31655889 PMCID: PMC8068716 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09590-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The autoimmune encephalitis (AE) syndromes have been characterised by the detection of autoantibodies in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid which target the extracellular domains of specific neuroglial antigens. The clinical syndromes have phenotypes which are often highly characteristic of their associated antigen-specific autoantibody. For example, the constellation of psychiatric features and the multi-faceted movement disorder observed in patients with NMDAR antibodies are highly distinctive, as are the faciobrachial dystonic seizures observed in close association with LGI1 antibodies. These typically tight correlations may be conferred by the presence of autoantibodies which can directly access and modulate their antigens in vivo. AE remains an under-recognised clinical syndrome but one where early and accurate detection is critical as prompt initiation of immunotherapy is closely associated with improved outcomes. In this review of a rapidly emerging field, we outline molecular observations with translational value. We focus on contemporary methodologies of autoantibody detection, the evolution and distinctive nature of the clinical phenotypes, generalisable therapeutic paradigms, and finally discuss the likely mechanisms of autoimmunity in these patients which may inform future precision therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarshini Ramanathan
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.,University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Kids Neuroscience Centre, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adam Al-Diwani
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.,University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Patrick Waters
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.,University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarosh R Irani
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK. .,University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Department of Neurology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.
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15
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Alexopoulos H, Dalakas MC. The immunobiology of autoimmune encephalitides. J Autoimmun 2019; 104:102339. [PMID: 31611142 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.102339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune encephalitides, with an estimated incidence of 1.5 per million population per year, although described only 15 years ago, have already had a remarkable impact in neurology and paved the field to autoimmune neuropsychiatry. Many patients traditionally presented with aberrant behavior, especially of acute or subacute onset, and treated with anti-psychotic therapies, turn out to have a CNS autoimmune disease with pathogenic autoantibodies against synaptic antigens responding to immunotherapies. The review describes the clinical spectrum of these disorders, and the pathogenetic role of key autoantibodies directed against: a) cell surface synaptic antigens and receptors, including NMDAR, GABAa, GABAb, AMPA and glycine receptors; b) channels such as AQP4 water-permeable channel or voltage-gated potassium channels; c) proteins that stabilize voltage-gated potassium channel complex into the membrane, like the LGI1 and CASPR2; and d) enzymes that catalyze the formation of neurotransmitters such as Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD). These antibodies, effectively target excitatory or inhibitory synapses in the limbic system, basal ganglia or brainstem altering synaptic function and resulting in uncontrolled neurological excitability disorder clinically manifested with psychosis, agitation, behavioral alterations, depression, sleep disturbances, seizure-like phenomena, movement disorders such as ataxia, chorea and dystonia, memory changes or coma. Some of the identified triggering factors include: viruses, especially herpes simplex, accounting for the majority of relapses occurring after viral encephalitis, which respond to immunotherapy rather than antiviral agents; tumors especially teratoma, SCLC and thymomas; and biological cancer therapies (immune-check-point inhibitors). As anti-synaptic antibodies persist after viral infections or tumor removal, augmentation of autoreactive B cells which release autoantigens to draining lymph nodes, molecular mimicry and infection-induced bystander immune activation products play a role in autoimmunization process or perpetuating autoimmune neuroinflammation. The review stresses the importance of early detection, clinical recognition, proper antibody testing and early therapy initiation as these disorders, regardless of a known or not trigger, are potentially treatable responding to systemic immunotherapy with intravenous steroids, IVIg, rituximab or even bortezomid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Alexopoulos
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marinos C Dalakas
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.
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16
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Lin J, Li C, Li A, Liu X, Wang R, Chen C, Zhou D, Hong Z. Encephalitis With Antibodies Against the GABA B Receptor: High Mortality and Risk Factors. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1030. [PMID: 31681135 PMCID: PMC6798040 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To measure mortality, identify predictors of death and investigate causes of death in patients with anti-gamma-aminobutyric-acid B receptor (anti-GABABR) encephalitis. Methods: Prospective analysis of anti-GABABR encephalitis cases diagnosed between June 2013 and August 2018 in West China Hospital of Sichuan University, with assessment of factors associated with mortality. Results: A total of 28 patients (11 females) with anti-GABABR encephalitis were included in this study. After a maximum time of 52 months (median 11 months, range 2–52) of follow-up, 9 (32.1%) patients died, with a median survival time of 6.5 months. Five patients died of tumor progression, one patient died of convulsive status epilepticus, one patient died of septic shock, and two patients died of severe pneumonia. Predictors of death were older age at onset (P = 0.025), presence of a tumor (66.7 vs. 15.8%, P = 0.013), the number of complications (2.6 vs. 1.0, P = 0.009) and deep venous thrombosis (33.3% vs. 0, P = 0.026). Conclusion: Patients with GABABR encephalitis have a high mortality rate within 5 years. Older age at onset, presence a tumor, the number of complications, and deep venous thrombosis are associated with death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingfang Lin
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Neurology, Nuclear Industry 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Aiqing Li
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chu Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhen Hong
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
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17
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GABA BR-Mediated Paraneoplastic Limbic Encephalitis Due To Thymic Small Cell Carcinoma. J Gen Intern Med 2019; 34:1658-1661. [PMID: 31062226 PMCID: PMC6667585 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 55-year-old male who presented with several weeks of seizures, agitation, progressive confusion, and receptive aphasia. CSF showed a monocytic pleocytosis and tested positive for GABAB receptor autoantibodies. Pathological examination of an excisional mediastinal lymph node biopsy showed thymic small cell carcinoma, supporting a diagnosis of paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE). PLE is a subtype of limbic encephalitis and is associated with an array of autoantibodies. Neurologic symptoms related to PLE may precede the detection of the primary cancer. Recognition of the constellation of clinical features of limbic encephalitis should prompt initiation of diagnostic testing for this condition as well as evaluation for an underlying malignancy. A review of the literature reveals that this is the first case report of a patient with thymic small cell cancer presenting with PLE.
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18
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Jia XT, Pan Y, Di Z, Gu N, Liu Z, Kang YM. Anti-GABA B receptor encephalitis in a patient with gastric adenocarcinoma. Neurol Sci 2018; 39:1981-1984. [PMID: 30109465 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-018-3536-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-B (GABAB) receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune encephalitis associated with antibodies against neuronal cell surface antigens, which are primarily observed with small-cell lung cancer, melanoma, and thymoma. Here, we first report a case on the association between a relatively frequent cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), and a rare GABAB receptor antibody limbic encephalitis. The patient was treated with immunotherapy and combined-drug chemotherapy, which were partially effective in terms of stabilizing the tumor and relieving neurological symptoms. This report indicates that, when patients present with GABAB receptor antibody limbic encephalitis, regular and broad screening for tumors including gastric adenocarcinoma should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Tao Jia
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanfang Pan
- Department of Pathology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengli Di
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Naibing Gu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqin Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Ming Kang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Golombeck KS, Bönte K, Mönig C, van Loo KM, Hartwig M, Schwindt W, Widman G, Lindenau M, Becker AJ, Glatzel M, Elger CE, Wiendl H, Meuth SG, Lohmann H, Gross CC, Melzer N. Evidence of a pathogenic role for CD8(+) T cells in anti-GABAB receptor limbic encephalitis. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2016; 3:e232. [PMID: 27213174 PMCID: PMC4853055 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize the cellular autoimmune response in patients with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)B receptor antibody-associated limbic encephalitis (GABAB-R LE). METHODS Patients underwent MRI, extensive neuropsychological assessment, and multiparameter flow cytometry of peripheral blood and CSF. RESULTS We identified a series of 3 cases of nonparaneoplastic GABAB-R LE and one case of paraneoplastic GABAB-R LE associated with small cell lung cancer. All patients exhibited temporal lobe epilepsy, neuropsychological deficits, and MRI findings typical of LE. Absolute numbers of CD19(+) B cells, CD138(+) CD19(+) plasma cells, CD4(+) T cells, activated HLADR(+) CD4(+) T cells, as well as CD8(+) T cells and HLADR(+) CD8(+) T cells did not differ in peripheral blood but were elevated in CSF of patients with GABAB-R LE compared to controls. Augmented absolute numbers of CD138(+) CD19(+) plasma cells and activated HLADR(+) CD8(+) T cells in CSF corresponded to higher overall neuropsychological and memory deficits in patients with GABAB-R LE. A histologic specimen of one patient following selective amygdalohippocampectomy revealed perivascular infiltrates of CD138(+) plasma cells and CD4(+) T cells, whereas cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells were detected within the brain parenchyma in close contact to neurons. CONCLUSION Our data suggest a pathogenic role for CD8(+) T cells in addition to the established role of plasma cell-derived autoantibodies in GABAB-R LE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin S Golombeck
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Bönte
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Constanze Mönig
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karen M van Loo
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marvin Hartwig
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfram Schwindt
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Guido Widman
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lindenau
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Albert J Becker
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian E Elger
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hubertus Lohmann
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Catharina C Gross
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nico Melzer
- Departments of Neurology (K.S.G., K.B., C.M., M.H., H.W., S.G.M., H.L., C.C.G., N.M.) and Clinical Radiology (W.S.), and Institute of Physiology I-Neuropathophysiology (S.G.M.), University of Münster; Departments of Epileptology (G.W., C.E.E.) and Neuropathology (K.M.v.L., A.J.B.), University of Bonn; Epilepsy Center Hamburg (M.L.), Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf, Hamburg; and Department of Neuropathology (M.G.), University of Hamburg, Germany
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