Autoimmune Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Limbic Encephalitis With Auditory and Visual Hallucinations

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease With Status Epilepticus: Molecular Mechanisms and a Scoping Review of the Literature

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder and is a spongiform encephalopathy. A 59-year-old male presented with subacute-onset worsening encephalopathy and was found to be in non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) requiring intubation and a midazolam infusion for refractory seizures. Electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed triphasic repeats with focal epileptogenic originating from the left parietal region. The patient continued to have up to 25-40 non-convulsive seizures per day. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed elevated 14-3-3 and tau protein. A real-time quaking-induced conversion assay in CSF was positive. The patient was diagnosed with probable sporadic CJD based on criteria from the Centers for Disease Control. Supportive treatment was provided.

Cellular prion protein (PrP^C) plays an important role in myelination of the peripheral nervous system, regulation of the neuronal membrane, and circadian rhythm. The molecular mechanisms of CJD involve the catalyzation of the physiological PrP^C into the pathological prion protein (PrP^Sc). This post-translational change in conformation leads to the generation of PrP^Sc and is involved in spongiform encephalopathies. Mechanisms of neurodegeneration include astrocytosis, neuronal apoptosis, and amyloid plaque formation. A scoping literature review was conducted in three databases on cases of CJD with SE. A total of 13 cases are identified that include the type of CJD and the morphology of the seizures. NCSE is the most prevalent form of SE in patients with CJD.

Plasma Microbial Cell-Free DNA (CF-DNA) Next-Generation Sequencing in Diagnosing Intracranial Abscesses: Pathophysiology and a Scoping Review of the Literature

Plasma microbial cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) from next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides improved sensitivity and specificity compared to standard microbial blood cultures. cf-DNA sequencing also has an improved turnaround time (TAT) and allows quicker commencement of antibiotics in life-threatening infections such as a brain abscess. Brain abscesses carry significant morbidity and mortality. Empiric treatment and management are critical in improving functional neurological outcomes. Reported here is the case of a severe central nervous system (CNS) infection with multiple ring-enhancing lesions seen throughout the cerebrum on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Standard microbial blood cultures were inconclusive and definitive identification of the pathogen was achieved through microbial cf-DNA NGS. 

Brain abscesses develop in four distinct phases: early cerebritis, late cerebritis, early capsule formation, and late capsule formation. The pathogenesis of cerebral abscess involves direct parenchymal inflammation of the pathogen, the recruitment of inflammatory CNS cell types (microglia, inflammatory astrocytes, etc), and the chemotaxis of immune cells. cf-DNA is released into the bloodstream in response to pathogen opsonization and immune-mediated cell death. A scoping literature review includes cases of intracranial abscesses diagnosed via cf-DNA NGS.

Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus (WNV) Encephalitis With Anton Syndrome: Epidemiology and Pathophysiology Review

The West Nile virus (WNV) belongs to the genus of flaviviruses and is known to cause irreversible neurologic deficits. Neuroinvasive WNV cases continue to be rare and have a higher prevalence in South America, Africa, and Asia. Here we report a 55-year-old female from North America who presented with acute-onset encephalopathy, fever, myalgias, and Anton syndrome. Neuroradiographic findings included diffuse white matter abnormalities of both cortical and subcortical structures and the patient was diagnosed with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Further workup revealed WNV antibodies in both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum. Management of WNV encephalitis continues to be poor and thus the patient was referred to a long-term care facility. Furthermore, Anton syndrome is a rare focal neurologic deficit that has never been previously associated with the WNV. This case aims to highlight the epidemiology of WNV in the United States, the mechanisms of WNV encephalitis, and an overview of Anton syndrome.