This document provides an overview of autoimmune encephalitis, outlining its various subsets including paraneoplastic and non-paraneoplastic forms. Specific autoantibody-mediated encephalitides are discussed such as VGKC-complex limbic encephalitis, NMDAR encephalitis, and AMPAR encephalitis. Clinical features, investigations, pathogenesis and management approaches are reviewed for different autoimmune encephalitis subtypes.
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Autoimmune Encephalitis: An Overview of Key Subtypes and Features
1. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Autoimmune
Encephalitis
Saiju Jacob and Sarosh R Irani
Saiju Jacob is a Consultant Neurologist at the Queen Elizabeth Neurosciences
Centre in Birmingham. He has completed a Dphil fellowship in Oxford under the
guidance of Prof Angela Vincent. He is interested in neuroimmunological diseases
of the peripheral and central nervous systems.
Sarosh R Irani is a Neurology Registrar in Oxford. He recently completed a Dphil
with Professor Vincent, studying NMDAR-antibodies and helped discover Lgi1,
Caspr2 and Contactin-2 as the true targets of VGKC-complex antibodies.
Both authors would like to acknowledge the helpful comments of Professor Angela
Vincent while writing this module.
Edited by Tom Solomon and Agam Jung
This session provides a review of the expanding spectrum of
autoantibody-mediated central nervous system conditions.
2. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to
• Outline the different subsets of autoimmune encephalitis
with particular reference to autoantibody-mediated
encephalitis
• Illustrate the pathogenesis of paraneoplastic and non-
paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitis
• Define key clinical features in the different antibody-
mediated encephalitis
• List the key investigation results in the different antibody-
mediated encephalitis
• Summarise an approach to the management of antibody-
mediated encephalitis
3. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Introduction
Traditionally, the vast majority of encephalitides have been ascribed a
microbiological aetiology. However, often this has been unproven and recently
it has been recognised that many are due to immunological, often
autoimmune, mechanisms.
These autoimmune encephalitides have some characteristic clinical and
paraclinical features which should allow the clinician to suspect the illness
early on. This is important as many of these diseases respond well to prompt
administration of available immunotherapies.
In many of the more common forms of antibody-associated encephalitis, an
autoantibody is likely to be directly pathogenic. In the minority of cases, the
autoantibody is associated with the
presence of a remote tumour
(paraneoplastic) but more often these
diseases are non-paraneoplastic and
the trigger is unclear.
Image: MRI showing Rt
medial temporal lobe high
signal changes (arrow) in
limbic encephalitis
4. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Subsets of Encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) commonly presents with amnesia,
seizures and confusion. It has usually been thought to be due to infectious
organisms. HSV-1 and enteroviruses are amongst the most common viruses
implicated. A list of causes in descending frequency, from a recent study, is
shown in the table below.
An autoimmune aetiology should be considered early in the diagnosis,
especially when the presentation is subacute or if specific clinical features and
investigation results are present (described later). Occasionally, the
presentation could be associated with an underlying remote neoplasia, as a
'paraneoplastic' syndrome.
Adapted from Granerod J et al. Lancet Infect Dis. 2010;10:835-44. HSV, hepes simplex virus;
ADEM, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis; VGKC, voltage gated potassium channels;
NMDAR, “NMDA” receptor; MTB, mycobacteria tuberculosis; VZV, varicella zoster virus.
5. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Different Subsets of
Autoimmune Encephalitis II
Limbic encephalitis (LE) typically produces subacute memory impairment,
confusion and seizures. Many patients have mesial temporal lobe
inflammation radiologically and pathologically. Other clinical and paraclinical
findings vary depending on the underlying cause.
Based on the target of the antibodies, LE can be broadly classified into two
types:
• Antibodies against intracellular
targets, which are almost always
associated with a paraneoplastic LE.
Prognosis is poor and treatment
options limited.
• Antibodies against neuronal cell
surface antigens, which are more
common and most often non-
paraneoplastic. These patients tend to
have a better prognosis.
IMAGE: Picture of the limbic system
6. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Paraneoplastic Encephalitis
These antibodies are usually against intracellular targets and are
often referred to as 'onconeural antibodies'. Common examples
include those directed against Hu, Ma2, CV2/CRMP5 and
amphiphysin.
Clinical syndromes are diverse and although some improvement
may occur after identification and removal of the primary tumour, the
prognosis in general is poor.
GAD antibodies also have been recently associated with LE,
although this is not usually paraneoplastic.
On the other hand, autoantibody-mediated limbic encephalitis has a
good prognosis when identified early and treated with appropriate
immunomodulatory therapies. Only the minority of cases are
associated with an underlying tumour.
8. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Non-Paraneoplastic
Encephalitis
Over the last decade, several antibodies have been described,
which are most often associated with non-paraneoplastic limbic
encephalitis. These antibodies are directed against targets on
neuronal cell surface membranes (unlike the paraneoplastic
antibodies described earlier).
Several antibodies directed at functionally important antigens have been
described including:
• Lgi1, Caspr2 and Contactin-2
(voltage gated potassium
channel complex antibodies).
• NMDA receptor antibodies
• AMPA receptor antibodies
• GABAB receptor antibodies
• Glycine receptor antibodies
We will review the important
clinical and paraclinical features
of some of these conditions.
9. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
VGKC-complex Antibody
Associated Limbic Encephalitis (LE)
Antibodies against 'voltage gated potassium channels' ('VGKC') have been
identified frequently in patients who usually present with a non-paraneoplastic LE.
Patients usually present with subacute memory loss, confusion and seizures.
Hyponatremia is found in a significant number of patients and can often be a clue to
the diagnosis.
These 'VGKC' antibodies were previously found in patients with peripheral nerve
symptoms like neuromyotonia (characterised by cramps and fasciculations) or
Morvan's syndrome (neurpmyotonia with autonomic, cognitive and sleep
disturbances). In all these conditions, the VGKC-complex antibody levels fall in
response to immunotherapy, which commonly involves intravenous
immunoglobulins or plasma exchange. This is usually accompanied by a clinical
improvement.
10. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
VGKC-complex Antibody
Associated Limbic Encephalitis II
T2-weighted/FLAIR MRI shows medial temporal lobe high signal in 60% of patients.
CSF changes are usually non-specific with mild lymphocytosis and marginally raised
protein seen in around 25% of the patients.
'VGKC' antibodies are detected by immunoprecipitation of 125I-α-dendrotoxin (DTX)
labelled rabbit brain membranes which have been solubilised in a mild detergent.
Dendrotoxin labels some Kv1 channels.
Recent studies have shown that
the target for these antibodies
may be the proteins complexed
with VGKC, rather than the VGKCs
themselves. These 'VGKC-complex'
antigenic targets (see image)
include:
• Leucine-rich glioma inactivated
1 protein, Lgi1
• Contactin-associated protein 2,
Caspr2
• Contactin-2/TAG-1 (rarely).
These four proteins are co-
associated in brain tissue.
11. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
VGKC-complex Antibody
Associated Limbic Encephalitis III
Neuropsychiatric features, amnesia, confusion, serum hyponatraemia and
MRI medial temporal lobe changes, all consistent with LE, are most commonly
seen in patients with Lgi1 antibodies.
In contrast, Morvan's syndrome and neuromyotonia are more commonly
associated with in Caspr2 antibodies.
Although the proportion of patients with underlying tumours is low, when
present, they are almost always associated with Caspr2 antibodies and are
most frequently thymomas and less often small cell lung carcinoma.
Until further refinement of these assays are available, radioimmunoassay for
VGKC-complex antibodies should remain the gold standard for diagnosis in
this group of patients, as a minority of VGKC-complex antibodies still do not
have a defined antigen.
Hippocampal
cultures
showing surface
binding Caspr2
(left) and Lgi1
igG. From Irani
et al. Brain
2010;133:2734
12. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Faciobrachial Dystonic
Seizures as a Prodrome to Lgi1-
antibody Encephalitis
Recently, a novel adult-onset seizure semiology has been recognised with
dystonic face and ipsilateral arm involvement. Seizures occur very frequently
and are very brief. Almost all patients have Lgi1 antibodies.
Interestingly, many patients with these 'faciobrachial dystonic' seizures
(FBDS) progress to develop a typical LE with amnesia and confusion.
As the FBDS are often
very sensitive to immuno-
therapies, and not so
responsive to antiepileptic
drugs, their recognition
and early treatment may
prevent the onset of a full-
blown LE.
Immunotherapies (IT),
antiepileptic drugs
(AEDs). From Irani et al.
Ann Neurol. 2011;69:892.
13. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
NMDAR Encephalitis
The clinical syndrome of women with ovarian teratoma presenting with
psychosis, memory loss, seizures, autonomic fluctuations, respiratory
depression and coma has been recognised for at least 5 years. In 2007,
antibodies known to be directed against neuronal surface antigens were
shown to target N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR).
Initially, this was thought to be a rare paraneoplastic condition affecting young
women with ovarian teratoma, the removal of which often combined with
immunotherapy, improves the clinical outcome.
This condition is now getting increasingly recognised in both sexes and in
children and is more often non-paraneoplastic condition.
Ovarian
teratoma:
gross and
microscopic
appearance
14. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
NMDAR Encephalitis
Stages
Recent evidence suggests that the disease may occur in a two stage process.
An early stage in the illness is associated with psychosis, seizures, confusion
and amnesia. 10 to 20 days later, patients develop a second phase of illness
with basal ganglia and brainstem features such as involuntary movements,
reduced consciousness and autonomic disturbances.
Headache and fever precede the symptoms in some patients, suggesting an
infectious trigger. However, changes in thermoregulation, also previously
noted in patients with VGKC-complex antibodies, can be seen even later in
the disease course without an apparent infection, possibly suggesting a
hypothalamic dysregulation.
MRI and CSF
MRI is most often normal but the scans can show non-specific T2-weighted
and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) high signal. The cortical
structures, often the medial temporal lobes, are often involved before changes
in the deep white matter.
EEG shows spikes consistent with cortical involvement, during the first stage,
and diffuse slowing (of subcortical origin), during the second stage.
CSF predominantly shows lymphocytic pleocytosis, early in the disease
course. Up to 30% patients may have raised CSF protein or oligoclonal
bands, the latter more common in the late stages of the disease.
15. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
NMDAR Encephalitis
Illustration of the occurrence of clinical features according to the
stage of illness. From Irani et al. Brain 2010;133:1655.
16. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
NMDAR Encephalitis
Diagnosis can be established using a cell-based immunofluorescent assay.
Antibodies specifically target the NR1 subunit of the NMDAR and this is
considered the most sensitive assay. Serum shows higher NMDAR-antibody
concentrations than CSF in the great majority of cases.
Technical details determine whether CSF or serum is the preferred specimen
and it is worth checking with the local laboratory before samples are taken.
A thorough search for an underlying neoplasm should be undertaken in all
patients, but as the phenotype is expanding a smaller proportion of patients
appear to be paraneoplastic. Nevertheless, tumour recognition is crucial
because of the relatively better prognosis after
removal of teratomata.
In the majority of patients, who do not have a
tumour, early (<40 days), and probably aggressive, immuno-
therapy (IT) is recommended.
Image: Patients improve with early immuno-
therapy. From Irani et al. Brain 2010;133:1655
17. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
AMPAR Encephalitis
Alpha amino 3-hydroxy 5-methyl 4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor
(AMPAR) are glutamate receptors. The GluR1/2 subunits are
present in the hippocampus and these subunits are the antigenic
targets in a minority of patients with a typical LE.
These patients do not commonly show hyponatraemia, in contrast
to the Lgi1-antibody cases. The other differences, from the few
reports currently available, is that many AMPAR-antibody patients
have an underlying tumour (two thirds had a neoplasm of the
breast, lung or thymus) and relapses are frequent. Replication from
other laboratories is awaited.
18. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
GABAB antibody Encephalitis
Unlike the excitotoxic glutamate receptors, GABAB receptors are
inhibitory in function and antibodies against these produce
symptoms similar to other patients with limbic encephalitis, often
with prominent seizures. This appears less likely to be a
paraneoplastic condition, with only about one-third of the patients
having an underlying tumour, mostly small cell lung cancers.
CSF and MRI features are similar to other types of limbic
encephalitis, with more common temporal lobe epileptiform
discharges in the EEG. A few patients may also have concomitant
GAD antibodies.
In addition to treating any underlying tumour, immunosuppressive
therapy is beneficial in achieving symptom improvement.
19. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Rasmussen’s Encephalitis
Rasmussen's encephalitis is a rare but severe form of, probably
autoimmune, encephalitis causing intractable seizures, progressive
unihemispheric neurological dysfunction and unilateral cortical
atrophy.
Most patients present in childhood and early diagnosis with
subsequent immunosuppressive therapy may be most effective in
the initial stages of the disease.
Focal seizures (epilepsia patialis continua) and progressive
hemiparesis are the initial presenting features. EEG shows
ipsilateral epileptogenic changes with MRI showing ipsilateral focal
cortical atrophy with high signal changes in the grey/white matter.
Antibodies against GluR3 subunit of the ionotropic glutamate
receptors have been proposed, although the evidence is
controversial.
Treatments include seizure control (including surgical techniques
like hemispherectomy) and immunotherapy with a combination of
corticosteroids, IVIG or plasma exchange.
21. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Glycine-receptor Mediated
Encephalitis
Unlike the 'classical' limbic encephalitis, patients with antibodies
against the inhibitory glycine receptors present with a subacute
onset of:
• Muscle stiffness
• Stimulus-sensitive muscle spasms
• Myoclonus
• Cerebellar ataxia
• Autonomic changes
Image: Cell-based
assay for Glycine
receptor antibodies,
showing co-
localisation of
antibodies (red) with
Glycine receptors
(green)- Courtesy Dr
MI Leite, University
of Oxford
22. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Glycine-receptor Mediated
Encephalitis
Stiff-person syndrome or PERM
This phenotype forms a subgroup of patients who have stiff-person
syndrome or progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and
myoclonus (PERM), with or without GAD antibodies.
GAD and glycine antibodies may coexist in an individual patient. As
GAD is an intracellular protein, it is highly likely that the glycine
antibody is the pathogenic entity.
Treatment
Ideal treatment regimens are unknown, although a combination of
plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulins and corticosteroids
have been used with variable efficacy in most patients.
Symptomatic therapy with Clonazepam may be used for myoclonus,
Baclofen and benzodiazepines may be needed to treat the stiffness.
23. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Pathogenisis of paraneoplastic
and non-paraneoplastic encephalitis
In paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis where antibodies are identified against
intracellular antigens, it is thought that immune responses against neuronal
antigens expressed in the tumour cells react with common epitopes seen in the
neurons, causing the clinical features. Cytotoxic T cells are more likely
responsible for the pathogenic mechanisms, rather than the onconeural
antibodies themselves.
On the other hand, antibodies against neuronal cell surface antigens have
been shown to be pathogenic, by decreasing the number of specific receptor
clusters in synapses in hippocampal neuronal cultures. This effect can be
reversed by removal of the patient antibodies. Also, direct antibody-mediated
complement deposition has been shown in vitro.
From: Irani et al, Brain
2010, 133 1655.
24. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Management of Antibody-
Mediated Encephalitis
In patients with paraneoplastic LE, with 'onconeural' antibodies (e.g.
Hu, CV2, Ma etc), management mainly involves the identification of
the underlying tumour and its treatment. Immunotherapy is of limited
benefit but may help to stabilise the condition.
However, in patients with antibodies against the VGKC complex,
NMDAR, AMPAR or GABAB, early immunomodulatory therapy in the
form of plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulins and/or
corticosteroids are useful in reducing the antibody levels and
subsequent clinical improvement. All patients also need to have a
work-up for identifying an underlying tumour, which can be seen a
proportion of these patients.
Patients with Rasmussen's encephalitis need aggressive anti-
epileptic therapy (including epilepsy surgery in pharmaco-resistant
patients) and early immunosuppression.
Glycine receptor antibody patients respond variably to
immunomodulatory therapy, but should always be considered as a
management option.
26. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Key Points
• Limbic encephalitis (LE) is a type of inflammatory CNS disease producing
encephalopathic symptoms (confusion, disorientation, memory loss) and
seizures
• Original descriptions attributed this to be a paraneoplastic condition
associated with onconeural antibodies against intracellular targets, with
relatively poor prognosis
• Recent evidence suggest that this is mainly an autoimmune disease
caused by antibodies directed against neuronal cell surface antigens
• The first cell surface antigen described was the voltage gated potassium
channel. However, we now know that the radioimmunoassay used in this test
measures antibodies against proteins which are complexed with VGKCs –
namely Lgi1, Caspr2 or Contactin2
• Other antibodies identified in autoimmune LE include AMPAR and GABAB
• Lgi1-antibody LE has some characteristic features including
hyponatraemia and dystonic seizures
• NMDAR-antibody encephalitis produces a characteristic progression of
neuropsychiatric features and seizures to a movement disorder, dysautonomia
and reduction in consciousness
• Immunomodulation with plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulins
or corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy in these conditions, and
generally have a good prognosis when they are non-paraneoplastic
27. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Summary
Having completed this module you should now be able to:
• Outline the different subsets of autoimmune encephalitis with particular
reference to autoantibody-mediated encephalitis
• Illustrate the pathogenesis of paraneoplastic and non-paraneoplastic
autoimmune encephalitis myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis
• Define key clinical features in the different antibody-mediated encephalitis
• List the key investigation results in the different antibody-mediated
encephalitis
• Summarise an approach to the management of antibody-mediated
encephalitis
Further reading:
1. Vincent A et al, Brain 2004; 127:701-12
2. Dalmau J et al., Lancet Neurol 2008;7:1091-1098.
3. Granerod J et al, Lancet Infect Dis. 2010;10:835-44
4. Irani SR et al., Brain 2010; 133:2734-2748.
5. Irani SR et al., Brain 2010; 133:1655-1667.
6. Lai M et al., Ann Neurol 2009; 65:424-43.
7. Lancaster E et al., Lancet Neurol 2010; 9:67-76.
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10. Mas N et al, J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2011;82: 1399-401
28. AUTOIMMUNE
ENCEPHALITIS
• Learning Objectives
• Introduction
• Subsets of
encephalitis
• Paraneoplastic
• Non-paraneoplastic
• VGKC-complex
limbic encephalitis
• NMDAR encephalitis
• AMPAR encephalitis
• GABAB encephalitis
• Rasmussen’s
encephalitis
• Glycine-receptor
encephalitis
• Pathogenesis
• Management
• Key Points
• Summary
• Questions
Question 1a
Please answer true or false to the following question:
Encephalitis is due to a virus in >80% of cases.
TRUE
FALSE
29. Liverpool Medical Institution, UK
Provisional date: May 2013
NeuroID 2013: Liverpool Neurological Infectious Diseases Course
Ever struggled with a patient with meningitis or encephalitis, and not known quite what to do?
Then the Liverpool Neurological infectious Diseases Course is for you!
For Trainees and Consultants in Adult and Paediatric Neurology, Infectious Diseases, Acute Medicine, Emergency Medicine
and Medical Microbiology who want to update their knowledge, and improve their skills.
For more information and to REGISTER NOW VISIT: www.liv.ac.uk/neuroidcourse
• Presented by Leaders in the Field
• Commonly Encountered Clinical Problems
• Practical Management Approaches
• Rarities for Reference
• Interactive Case Presentations
• State of the Art Updates
• Pitfalls to Avoid
• Controversies in Neurological Infections
To learn more about neurological infectious diseases…
Convenors: Prof Tom Solomon, Dr Enitan Carrol, Dr Rachel
Kneen, Dr Nick Beeching, Dr Benedict Michael
Feedback from previous course:
“Would unreservedly recommend to others”
“An excellent 2 days!! The best course for a long time”