Autoimmune Encephalitis in Children: A Short Review

Shubhankar Mishra*

Received: February 15, 2018;   Published: February 22, 2018

DOI: 10.32474/PAPN.2018.01.000109

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Abstract

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) comprises an expanding group of clinical syndromes that can occur at all ages, but preferentially affect younger adults and children. These disorders associate with antibodies against neuronal cell surface proteins and synaptic receptors involved in synaptic transmission, plasticity, or neuronal excitability. The spectrums of symptoms include psychosis, catatonia, alterations of behaviour and memory, seizures, abnormal movements, and autonomic dysregulations. Inflammatory findings in the cerebrospinal fluid may be present. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also demonstrate abnormalities for better diagnosis, particularly on fluidattenuated inversion recovery or T2-weighted images. Patients may initially be diagnosed with idiopathic encephalitis, likely viral but with negative viral studies. Autoimmune encephalitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of any patient, especially if young, with a rapidly progressive encephalopathy of unclear origin. AE is well responsive to immune therapy, with prompt diagnosis and treatment strongly beneficial.

Keywords: Autoimmune encephalitis; NMDA; Steroids

Abbreviations: AE: Autoimmune encephalitis; MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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