Potassium channel antibody-associated encephalitis with hypothalamic lesions and intestinal pseudo-obstruction

J Neurol Sci. 2008 Jun 15;269(1-2):176-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2007.12.019. Epub 2008 Apr 1.

Abstract

A subgroup of limbic encephalitis is associated with antibodies against voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKC), and responds well to immuno-modulating therapies. Anti-VGKC antibodies are also found in Isaacs' syndrome and Morvan's syndrome, both of which are sometimes complicated by thymoma. We describe a 52-years-old man with limbic encephalitis, thymoma, and anti-VGKC antibodies, who presented with autonomic dysfunctions such as severe intestinal pseudo-obstruction, hyperhidrosis and hypertension. Thymectomy and corticosteroid therapy remarkably improved his symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed hypothalamic lesions, in addition to the bilateral involvement of the medial temporal lobes. This patient had severe autonomic dysfunctions resembling those of Morvan's syndrome. This case may represent a subgroup of VGKC-antibody associated syndromes with a wide spectrum of symptoms, including Isaacs' syndrome, Morvan's syndrome, and limbic encephalitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies / blood*
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamus / pathology*
  • Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / complications*
  • Limbic Encephalitis* / complications
  • Limbic Encephalitis* / immunology
  • Limbic Encephalitis* / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / immunology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated