Demyelinating disease and anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor immunoglobulin G antibodies: a case report

BMC Res Notes. 2014 Dec 23:7:948. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-948.

Abstract

Background: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor immunoglobulin G antibodies directed against the GluN1 subunit are considered highly specific for anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, a severe clinical syndrome characterized by seizures, psychiatric symptoms, orofacial dyskinesia and autonomic dysfunction.

Case presentation: Here we report a 33 year old Caucasian male patient with clinically definite multiple sclerosis who was found to be positive for anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibodies. Rituximab therapy was initiated. On the 18 months follow-up visit the patient was found to be clinically stable, without typical signs of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis.

Conclusion: Our findings add to the growing evidence for a possible association between anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis and demyelinating diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / therapeutic use
  • Autoantibodies / immunology*
  • Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS / diagnosis
  • Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS / drug therapy
  • Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology*
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / immunology*
  • Rituximab
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Autoantibodies
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Rituximab