Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in a patient with ovarian teratoma – case report

Purpose: Limbic encephalitis is a clinical syndrome of various aetiologies: viral (the most often herpes simplex virus), associated with autoimmune diseases as well as a paraneoplastic syndrome (most commonly in the case of small cell lung carcinoma). This disease was first described by English neurologists and neuropathologists in 1960.

Case description: The case provided below shows a 46-year-old female suffering from autoimmune limbic encephalitis with anti-NMDAR antibodies (anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibodies) in the course of paraneoplastic syndrome, which was linked with ovarian tumour, i.e. teratocarcinoma mature (teratoma adultum ovaris). Considering previously unknown primary cancer, correct laboratory tests, imaging results and many psychopathological symptoms, the initial diagnosis was correlated with mental disorders. Soon, the symptoms of respiratory distress appeared in the deteriorating mental condition of the patient. Therefore, sedation and mechanical ventilation were necessary to implement.

Comment: Quick verification of diagnosis, active neurological and oncological examinations and causal treatment led to full recovery of the patient.