Autoimmune encephalitis: a review of diagnosis and treatment

ABSTRACT

Autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) is one of the most common causes of noninfectious encephalitis. It can be triggered by tumors, infections, or it may be cryptogenic. The neurological manifestations can be either acute or subacute and usually develop within six weeks. There are a variety of clinical manifestations including behavioral and psychiatric symptoms, autonomic disturbances, movement disorders, and seizures. We reviewed common forms of AIE and discuss their diagnostic approach and treatment.

RESUMO

As encefalites autoimunes (EAI) são a principal causa de encefalite não-infecciosa. As manifestações neurológicas são variadas, incluindo alterações comportamentais ou psiquiátricas, disautonomia, transtornos do movimento e epilepsia. Habitualmente a instalação dos sintomas ocorre em até 6 semanas, de forma aguda ou subaguda. As EAI podem ser desencadeadas por tumores, quadros infecciosos virais ou ainda apresentar etiologia criptogênica. Este artigo revisa as principais EAI, estratégias de diagnóstico e tratamento.

encephalitis - antibodies, neoplasm - status epilepticus - anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor encephalitis - immunoglobulin - rituximab

encefalites - anticorpos antineoplásicos - status epiléptico - encefalite antirreceptor de N-Metil-D-Aspartato - imunoglobulinas - rituximab

Publication History

Received: 18 March 2017

Accepted: 18 September 2017

Article published online:
30 August 2023

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