Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health (May 2011)

Malignant catatonia due to anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis in a 17-year-old girl: case report

  • Vidailhet Marie,
  • Amoura Zahir,
  • Didelot Adrien,
  • Bonnot Olivier,
  • Maksud Philippe,
  • Montefiore Delphine,
  • Costedoat-Chalumeau Nathalie,
  • Marra Donata,
  • Barbeau Martine,
  • An-Gourfinkel Isabelle,
  • Ronen Karine,
  • Consoli Angèle,
  • Cohen David

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1753-2000-5-15
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 1
p. 15

Abstract

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Abstract Anti-NMDA-Receptor encephalitis is a severe form of encephalitis that was recently identified in the context of acute neuropsychiatric presentation. Here, we describe the case of a 17-year-old girl referred for an acute mania with psychotic features and a clinical picture deteriorated to a catatonic state. Positive diagnosis of anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis suggested specific treatment. She improved after plasma exchange and immunosuppressive therapy. Post-cognitive sequelae (memory impairment) disappeared within 2-year follow-up and intensive cognitive rehabilitation.

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