Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis with Decrease in Blood Flow in Cerebellum

Abstract

In anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis, progressive cerebellar atrophy potentially leads to severe sequelae. We encountered a patient with anti-NMDAR antibody encephalitis who showed a decrease of blood flow in the cerebellum. A 15-year-old girl presented with consciousness disturbance. Influenza encephalopathy was suspected, and she was treated with glucocorticoid pulse therapy, high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins, and plasma exchange sequentially. She subsequently underwent left oophorectomy due to the presence of anti-NMDAR antibodies and a left ovarian teratoma. In spite of the surgery, her neuropsychiatric symptoms persisted, and she recovered slowly after the introduction of oral methotrexate (MTX). Sequential cerebral blood flow monitoring with single-photon emission computed tomography showed marked cerebellar hypoperfusion. Although mild impairments including working memory and verbal fluency persisted, she eventually returned to high school 3 years after onset. Profound cerebellar hypoperfusion including lobules VI and VII may be the reason for her working memory impairment and speaking problems. Oral MTX may be a promising alternative treatment for some refractory cases of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Keywords

• cerebellum
• encephalitis
• methotrexate
• n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor
• spect