8例自身免疫性脑炎的病例分析并文献复习

目的探讨自身免疫性脑炎的临床表现、磁共振(MRI)图像、脑脊液特点及治疗转归。方法回顾性分析我院8例(自2012年1月-2016年1月)自身免疫性脑炎患者的临床资料。结果 8例患者平均发病年龄为44岁,其中有4例抗NMDA受体脑炎,3例LGI1蛋白抗体阳性边缘系统脑炎,1例抗GABABR脑炎,所有患者(100%)均有认知功能损害和精神症状;5例(62%)出现癫痫发作;3例(37%)出现不自主运动和自主神经功能障碍。4例(50%)患者脑电图存在异常;4例(50%)患者有磁共振检查异常信号;1例发现肺癌。结论以认知功能损害、精神行为异常、癫痫发作为主要表现的患者,要警惕自身免疫性脑炎的可能,以免误漏诊。     

The efficacy of adrenocorticotropic hormone in a girl with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis

Background

Immunomodulatory therapy has shown some therapeutic benefits in patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis. In this report, we describe the use of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) immunotherapy with good outcome in a patient with anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

儿童和成人抗N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸受体脑炎的临床特征

目的比较分析儿童和成人抗N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸(N-methyl-D-aspartate,NMDA)受体脑炎在临床表现、辅助检查及免疫治疗等方面的异同。方法纳入34例抗NMDA受体脑炎患者,收集其临床资料,按发病年龄和住院科室分为儿童组和成人组,并对治疗前、后和随访(6个月~24个月)后进行改良Rankin量表(modified Rankin Scale,m RS)评分评估功能恢复结局。结果经分析19例儿童和15例成人的临床资料,儿童组和成人组发生中枢性通气不足分别有1例和10例,成人组中枢性通气不足发生率比儿童组高(P0.05);儿童组和成人组并发继发性癫痫分别为1例和11例,并发癫痫持续状态分别为0例和5例,成人组并发继发性癫痫和癫痫持续状态比儿童组多见(P0.05)。常规脑电图检查中,儿童组中有16例检出"δ"波,成人组有1例,儿童组"δ"波检出率更高(P0.05)。成人组2例女性合并可疑卵巢畸胎瘤;儿童组无合并肿瘤情况。儿童组和成人组免疫治疗方案中最常使用大剂量甲强龙冲击治疗;儿童组(17例)使用静脉用丙种球蛋白冲击治疗比成人组(8例)多见(P0.05);儿童组和成人组使用血浆置换例数比和免疫抑制剂(环磷酰胺)例数比分别为(0:5)和(1:7),成人组使用血浆置换及免疫抑制剂更多见(P0.05)。儿童组和成人组发病至就诊的平均时间分别为(14.47±8.39)d和26d,确诊的平均时间分别为(25.42±14.36)d和(40.13±14.14)d,儿童组发病至就诊、确诊的平均时间短于成人组(P0.05);儿童组有5例住重症监护室(ICU),比成人组(10例)少(P0.05);出院时儿童组和成人组m RS评分分别为(2.26±1.56)分和(3.67±1.59)分,儿童组低于成人组(P0.05)。结论成人抗NMDA受体脑炎临床症状相对复杂,病情较重,短期预后相比儿童差。     

Early electro-clinical features may contribute to diagnosis of the anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in children

Objective

To describe initial and follow-up electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics in anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis.

Methods

Consecutive polygraphic video-EEG recordings were analyzed in nine pediatric patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis at the initial stage of the disease and during the intermediate period until motor recovery. EEG characteristics in waking and sleep stages as well as EEG correlates of abnormal movements are described.

Results

In six of nine patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, the waking EEG showed preserved background activity and either focal or unilateral hemispheric slowing. During non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, a decrease in the expected slow waves and unilateral or diffuse theta-alpha band rhythms were also observed in six of nine children. They all had more favorable outcome than the three children with diffuse slowing. Clinically, unilateral abnormal movements contra-lateral to hemispheric or focal slowing were also indicative of milder severity when compared to generalized abnormal movements and diffuse slowing.

Conclusions

In pediatric patients presenting behavioral disorders and abnormal movements, early EEG patterns may be suggestive of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Moreover early electro-clinical presentation contributes to outcome prediction.

Significance

This case series demonstrates that early EEG patterns may be suggestive of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in pediatric patients with behavioral disorders and abnormal movements.     

抗NMDA受体脑炎45例特点和临床转归分析

目的探讨本组抗NMDA受体脑炎患者的临床特点。方法收集北京丰台右安门医院和北京宣武医院神经内科2012年10月至2015年4月收治的45例抗NMDA受体脑炎患者的临床资料,分析病例特点,随访病情转归。结果本组的45例患者年龄为14~61岁,平均年龄32.2±13.24岁;男性27例,其中3例(11%)合并肿瘤。女性18例,其中5例(28%)合并卵巢畸胎瘤。23例(51%)出现前驱症状。本组45例临床症状表现为精神症状(91%)、癫痫发作(76%)、不自主运动(42%)、中枢性低通气(24%)、意识水平下降(47%)及自主神经功能障碍(40%)。脑脊液(CSF)常规、生化检查阳性率为89%,所有患者CSF抗NMDA受体抗体阳性。脑电图(EEG)多表现为双额、颞、中央导联为主的轻度(21%)至中度(59%)慢波。53%患者头颅CT平扫或MRI检查有异常表现,多见于额颞叶T2-Flair异常信号。所有患者均给予激素和丙种球蛋白治疗,6例患者接受环磷酰胺或吗替麦考酚治疗。除1例失访,44例患者预后良好(MRS评分0-2分)者占86%。结论抗NMDAR脑炎发病男性并不少见,肿瘤合并率低。以精神行为异常、癫痫发作、CSF抗NMDA受体抗体阳性为其主要临床特点。绝大部分患者EEG异常,并与病情严重程度相关。79%患者一线免疫治疗效果良好。8例合并肿瘤患者病情严重且预后不良,畸胎瘤摘除术不能完全预防该病发生,但能减轻病情严重程度。     

Management of psychiatric symptoms in anti-NMDAR encephalitis: a case series,literature review and future directions

Anti-NMDA receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis, formally recognized in 2007, has been increasingly identified as a significant cause of autoimmune and paraneoplastic encephalitis. Approximately 80% of the patients are females. The characteristic syndrome evolves in several stages, with approximately 70% of the patients presenting with a prodromal phase of fever, malaise, headache, upper respiratory tract symptoms, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Next, typically within two weeks, patients develop psychiatric symptoms including insomnia, delusions, hyperreligiosity, paranoia, hallucinations, apathy and depression. Catatonic symptoms, seizures, abnormal movements, autonomic instability, memory deficits may also develop during the course of the disease. Presence of antibodies against the GluN1 subunit of the NMDAR in the CSF and serum confirm the diagnosis of NMDAR encephalitis, which also should prompt a thorough search for an underlying tumor. Age, gender, and ethnicity may all play a role, as black females older than 18 years of age have an increased likelihood of an underlying tumor. Treatment is focused on tumor resection and first-line immunotherapy [corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin]. In non-responders, second- line immunotherapy [rituximab or cyclophosphamide or combined] is required. More than 75% of the patients recover completely or have mild sequelae, while the remaining patients end up demonstrating persistent severe disability or death.  There is a paucity of literature on the management of psychiatric symptoms in this population. Given the neuropsychiatric symptoms in the relatively early phase of the illness, approximately 77 % of the patients are first evaluated by a psychiatrist. Earlier recognition of this illness is of paramount importance as prompt diagnosis and treatment can potentially improve prognosis.  We describe two patients diagnosed with NMDAR encephalitis presenting with two different psychiatric manifestations.  The first patient presented with psychotic mania and catatonic symptoms, while the second suffered from depression with psychotic and catatonic features refractory to psychotropic medications. We review of the use of psychotropic medications and ECT to address insomnia, agitation, psychosis, mood dysregulation and catatonia in NMDAR encephalitis.     

Clinical,imaging, and follow-up observations of patients with anti-GABAB receptor encephalitis

Purpose: Anti-gamma-aminobutyric acid B (anti-GABA_B) receptor encephalitis is a newly described type of autoimmune encephalitis. We report a case series of patients diagnosed with anti-GABA_B receptor encephalitis in China, focusing on their presentations, laboratory and imaging results, and outcomes, as well as the treatment strategies which were employed. Methods: Data from patients diagnosed with anti-GABA_B receptor encephalitis in the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, from January 2014 to June 2015 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Based on specific diagnostic criteria, seven cases were included. Results: Six of the seven patients were males, and a median age at presentation of 56 years (range: 4–71 years). Seizures were the most common initial symptom, and all patients developed symptoms of typical limbic encephalitis during their disease course. Additional types of autoantibodies were identified in four patients. After presentation, three patients were found to have small cell lung cancer and one patient was eventually diagnosed with thymoma. All patients accepted first-line immune therapy, but only one chose tumor treatment. The three tumor-free patients had a good outcome, whereas those with tumors had a poor one. Finally, there were no relapses during follow-up. Conclusion: Anti-GABA_B receptor encephalitis is a rare, unique autoimmune disease, and is often associated with tumors. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis for middle and senior-aged patients who present with predominantly limbic encephalitis symptoms. Importantly, earlier recognition of this potentially treatable condition could improve its overall prognosis.     

An immunologic case study of acute encephalitis with refractory, repetitive partial seizures

Acute encephalitis with refractory, repetitive partial seizures (AERRPS) is a neurologic syndrome characterized by extraordinarily frequent and refractory partial seizures, which immediately evolve into refractory epilepsy. To elucidate the pathophysiology of AERRPS, we performed an immunologic study of an affected boy, revealing decreased natural killer (NK) cell activity in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells. IgG antibodies against the glutamate receptor (GluR)ε2, ζ1, and δ2 subunits were all positive in both the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). There were raised plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ as well as an extremely elevated CSF level of IL-6. These findings suggest that AERRPS is immune-mediated encephalitis, in which both autoimmunity and exaggerated cytokine production are involved. NK cell dysfunction may be the underlying abnormality in this AERRPS case, which might have contributed to the production of GluR autoantibodies.     

重症抗NMDAR脑炎临床、影像学及脑电图特征研究

目的分析重症抗NMDAR脑炎临床,影像学及脑电图(EEG)特征。方法 23例血清和/或脑脊液(CSF)抗NMDAR抗体阳性、MRS评分4-5分的重症抗NMDAR脑炎,分析CSF白细胞数、意识障碍严重程度、呼吸功能衰竭特点及头颅MRI、24h长程视频脑电图(VEEG)特点。结果 23例重症抗NMDAR脑炎中,精神行为异常19例(82.6%),意识障碍20例(87%)。CSF白细胞数增高19例(82.6%),与轻症抗NMDAR脑炎差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。癫痫发作17例(73.9%),其中癫痫持续状态13例(56.5%)。24h VEEG监测,广泛慢波15例,其中θ波为主调12例,δ波为主调3例。14~20HZ快波背景2例,额顶枕颞导棘波、尖波或尖慢综合波发放6例,未见异常1例。头颅MRI异常14例(60.9%),其中累及额、颞、顶枕叶皮质6例,皮质下白质多发异常信号5例,累及海马5例,累及脑干2例,未见异常9例。呼吸功能衰竭10例(43.5%),Ⅰ型呼吸功能衰竭6例,Ⅱ型呼吸功能衰竭4例。结论重症抗NMDAR脑炎疾病的严重程度、CSF白细胞数量、意识障碍程度与抗NMDAR抗体的滴度无关,重症抗NMDAR脑炎易出现癫痫持续状态和中枢性通气不足所致呼吸功能衰竭。     

Arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging in an infant with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: A case report

BackgroundAnti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune encephalitis characterized by complex neuropsychiatric syndromes and the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) antibodies against NMDAR. The characteristics of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in children, particularly infants, are unclear due to difficulties in neurologic assessment such as psychiatric symptoms. Additionally, subtle or non-specific findings of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) make early diagnosis even more difficult. Herein, we present the first case of infant anti-NMDAR encephalitis in which perfusion imaging demonstrated marked abnormalities and the absence of conventional MRI findings.Case presentationThe patient was an 11-month-old boy who was admitted because of seizure and prolonged fever. He presented with involuntary movements of the mouth and tongue. Brain MRI showed no morphological abnormalities, but three-dimensional arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion imaging showed reduced blood flow in the left temporal and frontal regions and the right cerebellum. After that, a positive anti-NMDAR antibody test result was received. Despite treatment with IVIG and methylprednisolone, the involuntary movements and autonomic dysfunction gradually became more prominent. After rituximab administration, the clinical symptoms improved slightly, and follow-up MRI revealed diffuse brain atrophy and improvement in the balance of brain perfusion.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of infantile anti-NMDAR encephalitis in which cerebral blood flow was evaluated using three-dimensional ASL perfusion imaging. Indeed, our case, which showed abnormalities only in ASL perfusion imaging, suggests that CBF assessment could aid in the early diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in infants.     

抗GABA(B)R脑炎临床、脑电图及随访研究

目的分析抗GABA(B)R脑炎临床,影像学及脑电图(EEG)特征。方法 5例血清和脑脊液(CSF)抗GABA(B)R抗体阳性的抗GABA(B)R脑炎,分析CSF白细胞数、头颅磁共振(MRI)、24h长程视频脑电图(VEEG)和预后特点。结果 5例抗GABA(B)R脑炎中,精神行为异常2例,意识障碍2例,CSF白细胞数增高4例,癫痫发作5例,其中癫痫持续状态4例(80%)。24h VEEG监测3例各导可见多量阵发性长程持续5~30s、4~6Hzθ节律,并前额、额、前颞可见尖波或复合性慢波。未见异常2例。头颅MRI异常1例,累及海马、额叶皮质。呼吸衰竭1例,行气管插管,未用呼吸机辅助呼吸。1例合并血和CSF抗Hu抗体阳性并发肺癌。随访半年死亡3例(60%),完全正常2例(40%)。结论抗GABA(B)R脑炎是以癫痫发作为特点的疾病,本组5例患者均早期出现严重的癫痫发作。预后与癫痫的严重程度和是否合并肿瘤有关。     

Effect of topiramate, in combination with lidocaine, and phenobarbital, in acute encephalitis with refractory repetitive partial seizures

Objective: Acute encephalitis with refractory repetitive partial seizure (AERRPS) is a peculiar type of post-encephalitic/encephalopathic epilepsy. Here we report an analysis of AERRPS in a series of children and propose an effective treatment option for seizure control in these children. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed cases of AERRPS treated in a pediatric intensive care unit, between February 2002 and June 2006. Clinical characteristics were systemically assessed. Burst suppression coma was induced by high-dose suppressive therapy; 24-h electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring was performed on each patient. The goal of treatment was to achieve complete clinical seizure control or burst-suppression pattern on EEG, aiming for an interburst interval of >5 s. Brain imaging was done for each patient. Results: There were nine patients (seven boys), aged 5–15 years. Clinical symptoms included fever (100%), upper respiratory symptoms (66.7%) and altered consciousness (66.7%). All patients received multiple high-dose suppressive drugs and were intubated with/without inotropic agents. Seizures in three patients were stopped after high-dose lidocaine infusion (6–8 mg/kg/h) in the acute stage and three patients were stopped after high dose phenobarbital (serum level 60–80 ug/mL) combined with high-dose oral topiramate (15–20 mg/kg/day). Follow-up for this study was 16–61 months. Two subjects died while seven developed epilepsy and/or neurologic deficits; none returned to baseline. All survivors were discharged and continued multiple antiepileptic medications. Conclusions: Our data indicates that children with AERRPS have high mortality and morbidity rates. High-dose topiramate combined with high-dose lidocaine infusion or high-dose phenobarbital in the acute stage might be an effective treatment option for children with AERRPS.     

The effects of LY293558, an AMPA receptor antagonist, on acute and chronic morphine dependence

In rodents, noncompetitive and competitive NMDA receptor antagonists have been shown to attenuate and, in some cases, reverse tolerance to the analgesic effects of morphine. However, the ability of these same excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor antagonists to modulate morphine dependence is controversial, and very little is known about the role of AMPA receptors in morphine dependence. LY293558, a novel, systemically active, competitive AMPA receptor antagonist and the NMDA receptor antagonists, MK-801 and/or LY235959, were evaluated in tolerant or dependent CD-1 mice. In mice rendered tolerant by morphine injection or pellet implantation, continuous s.c. infusion of LY293558 (60 mg/kg per 24 h) or MK-801 (1 mg/kg per 24 h) attenuated the development of tolerance. Neither LY293558 nor MK-801 produced analgesia or altered the ED₅₀ value of morphine. Continuous s.c. infusion of LY293558 (60 mg/kg per 24 h), MK-801 (1 mg/kg per 24 h) or LY235959 (12 mg/kg per 24 h) attenuated the development of acute (3 h) morphine dependence (i.e., decreased naloxone-precipitated withdrawal jumping). In contrast, continuous s.c. infusion of LY293558 (60 mg/kg per 24 h) or LY235959 (12 mg/kg per 24 h) did not significantly attenuate the development of chronic dependence produced by morphine pellet implantation. These data indicate that the development of morphine tolerance is more sensitive to modulation by EAA receptor antagonists than is the development of morphine dependence as assessed by naloxone-precipitated withdrawal jumping.     

Microglia in the giant cell encephalitis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome: proliferation,infection and fusion

Summary The autopsied brains of three homosexual men with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), progressive encephalopathy and widespread multinucleated giant cell encephalitis were investigated by lectin and immunohistochemical methods to ascertain the cellular distribution of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) core protein, p25. Abundant viral antigen was present in all brains, limited to perivascular macrophages, microglial and multinucleated cells, some bearing elongated cytoplasmic processes. The multinucleated cells were consistently labelled by the lectinRicinus communis agglutinin-1, a marker for microglia, which demonstrated processbearing variants of these cells. The prominent staining of microglia for viral antigen and the morphological suggestion that they fuse with other microglia and/or macrophages to form the multinucleated cells characteristic of HIV encephalitis indicate that microglia are probably direct targets of HIV infection and serve to propagate and amplify this retroviral encephalitis.Supported by USHPS grant NS-19048 and New York State AIDS Institute grant AR-074     

Tracking of neurocognitive outcomes over time in children with perinatal stroke and associated complex medical conditions: a case series

ABSTRACT

Neurocognitive outcomes in children with perinatal stroke are complicated by additional neurological/medical factors. The main objective of this study was to retrospectively examine long-term neurocognitive outcomes in five children with perinatal stroke with increasingly complex comorbidities; ages 5–7 at first evaluation. Results revealed that intelligence and academic skills were significantly decreased in cases with combined perinatal stroke and comorbidities. Early language development was particularly vulnerable to disruption over time in children with increasing medical complexity. The delayed emergence of neurocognitive deficits emphasizes the need for serial assessment of neurocognitive development to identify early services and interventions.