Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: two case reports associated with ovarian teratoma and a literature review

摘要

The presence of A/-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibodies has recently been associated with a paraneoplastic syndrome in young women with ovarian cysts (Dalmau et al. 2007, 2008). It is antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis presenting as clinical picture of typical neurological symptoms but also with psychiatric symptoms. The severity of the symptoms varies. Most patients who are affected are women (about 80-90%) and are young (mean age 23). There is clear evidence of an association with ovarian teratoma (one/both ovaries) and it is the most frequent aetiology (in approximately 50%) (Dalmau et al. 2011; Tumbi et al. 2011). However, no teratoma or other tumours could be found in some patients (Gultekin et al. 2000; Vitaliani et al. 2005). Tumour resection seems to be important to prevent long-term neurologic sequelae. The early-performed surgery is often associated with favourable outcome (including complete final recovery) (Dalmau et al. 2007).