[Autoimmune encephalitis. Anti-NMDA receptor and new immunophenotypes]. / Encefalitis autoinmunes. Receptor anti-NMDA y nuevos inmunofenotipos.

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is defined as neurological syndromes of subacute installation of compromise of consciousness, alteration of working memory and psychiatric disorders associated with abnormal movements and epileptic seizures and that are produced by the action of anti-neuronal antibodies. They bind to neurotransmitter receptors or membrane proteins. Antibody to NMDAR is the origin of the majority of cases of AD in children and young adults, followed by anti-LGI1 antibody for presentation in adults. The AE has increased in the last decade, with a large number of new agents described that produce mostly neurological syndromes that involve the central nervous system, with predominance of psychiatric signaling, except in children and the predominant abnormal movements, epileptic seizures and compromise of conscience. They are frequently associated with tumors in adults but in children this association is more infrecuent. All AEs respond to immunomodulatory therapy although in different measures depending on the type of antibody involved. In general, the evolution to improvement is slow and can be completed in months or even in one year or more. In this review, the main EA clinical pictures related to specific antibodies are highlighted, also mentioning recently discovered immunophenotypes.

Las encefalitis autoinmunes (EA) se definen como síndromes neurológicos de instalación subaguda de compromiso de conciencia, alteración de la memoria de trabajo y trastornos psiquiátricos frecuentemente asociados a movimientos anormales y crisis epilépticas y que se producen por la acción de anticuerpos anti neuronales específicos que se fijan a receptores de neurotransmisores o proteínas de membrana. El anticuerpo anti NMDAR es el que origina la mayoría de los casos de EA en niños y adultos jóvenes, seguido por el anticuerpo anti LGI1 de presentación en el adulto. Las EA han aumentado en la última década, en la que se ha descrito un gran número de nuevos anticuerpos que producen en su mayoría síndromes neurológicos que involucran al sistema nervioso central, con predominio de signología psiquiátrica, excepto en niños en los que predominan movimientos anormales, crisis epilépticas y compromiso de conciencia. Se asocian frecuentemente a tumores en el adulto pero en los niños esta asociación es más rara. Todas las EA responden a terapia inmunomoduladora aunque en diferente medida según el tipo de anticuerpo involucrado. Generalmente la evolución a la mejoría es lenta y puede completarse en meses o incluso en un año o más. En esta revisión se destaca los principales cuadros de EA relacionados con anticuerpos específicos mencionando también los inmunofenotipos descubiertos recientemente.

Encefalitis autoinmunes: Receptor anti-NMDA y nuevos inmunofenotipos / Autoimmune encephalitis. Anti-NMDA receptor and new immunophenotypes

Las encefalitis autoinmunes (EA) se definen como síndromes neurológicos de instalación subaguda de compromiso de conciencia, alteración de la memoria de trabajo y trastornos psiquiátricos frecuentemente asociados a movimientos anormales y crisis epilépticas y que se producen por la acción de anticuerpos anti neuronales específicos que se fijan a receptores de neurotransmisores o proteínas de membrana. El anticuerpo anti NMDAR es el que origina la mayoría de los casos de EA en niños y adultos jóvenes, seguido por el anticuerpo anti LGI1 de presentación en el adulto. Las EA han aumentado en la última década, en la que se ha descrito un gran número de nuevos anticuerpos que producen en su mayoría síndromes neurológicos que involucran al sistema nervioso central, con predominio de signología psiquiátrica, excepto en niños en los que predominan movimientos anormales, crisis epilépticas y compromiso de conciencia. Se asocian frecuentemente a tumores en el adulto pero en los niños esta asociación es más rara. Todas las EA responden a terapia inmunomoduladora aunque en diferente medida según el tipo de anticuerpo involucrado. Generalmente la evolución a la mejoría es lenta y puede completarse en meses o incluso en un año o más. En esta revisión se destaca los principales cuadros de EA relacionados con anticuerpos específicos mencionando también los inmunofenotipos descubiertos recientemente.

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is defined as neurological syndromes of subacute installation of compromise of consciousness, alteration of working memory and psychiatric disorders associated with abnormal movements and epileptic seizures and that are produced by the action of anti-neuronal antibodies. They bind to neurotransmitter receptors or membrane proteins. Antibody to NMDAR is the origin of the majority of cases of AD in children and young adults, followed by anti-LGI1 antibody for presentation in adults. The AE has increased in the last decade, with a large number of new agents described that produce mostly neurological syndromes that involve the central nervous system, with predominance of psychiatric signaling, except in children and the predominant abnormal movements, epileptic seizures and compromise of conscience. They are frequently associated with tumors in adults but in children this association is more infrecuent. All AEs respond to immunomodulatory therapy although in different measures depending on the type of antibody involved. In general, the evolution to improvement is slow and can be completed in months or even in one year or more. In this review, the main EA clinical pictures related to specific antibodies are highlighted, also mentioning recently discovered immunophenotypes.

[Autoimmune encephalitis associated to antibodies against the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor: Report of two cases].

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is a neurological syndrome that is more common in young women and is often associated with ovarian teratoma. It is characterized by acute general unspecific symptoms that evolve to neurological deterioration, psychosis and seizures. In its more advanced stage it is associated with abnormal movements and dysautonomia.We report two cases in women of 23 and 12 years of age. Given its low incidence, we present the clinical exercise that led to their diagnoses and the treatment options employed.

Encefalitis autoinmunitaria asociada a anticuerpos contra el receptor N-metil-D-aspartato: presentación de dos casos / Autoimmune encephalitis associated to antibodies against the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor: Report of two cases

Resumen La encefalitis asociada a anticuerpos contra receptores N-metil-D-aspartato es un síndrome neurológico que se presenta más comúnmente en mujeres jóvenes y frecuentemente se asocia al teratoma de ovario. Se caracteriza por un cuadro clínico agudo con síntomas generales inespecíficos que evoluciona hacia deterioro neurológico, psicosis y convulsiones; en su etapa más avanzada, se asocia con movimientos anormales y disautonomía. Se reportan dos casos en mujeres de 23 y 12 años. Dada su baja incidencia, se explica el proceso clínico que llevó a su diagnóstico y las opciones de tratamiento empleadas.

Abstract Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is a neurological syndrome that is more common in young women and is often associated with ovarian teratoma. It is characterized by acute general unspecific symptoms that evolve to neurological deterioration, psychosis and seizures. In its more advanced stage it is associated with abnormal movements and dysautonomia. We report two cases in women of 23 and 12 years of age. Given its low incidence, we present the clinical exercise that led to their diagnoses and the treatment options employed.

[Reversible cortical atrophy secondary to anti-NMDA receptor antibody encephalitis]. / Atrofia cortical reversible secundaria a encefalitis por anticuerpos antirreceptor de NMDA.

INTRODUCTION: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibody encephalitis was initially described as a paraneoplastic syndrome associated to ovarian teratomas. Yet, an increasing number of reports are being published involving cases of young women and children with signs and symptoms of an autoimmune encephalopathy, in 40-50% of the cases secondary to a viral infection. Clinically, it is characterised by a progressive picture of psychiatric manifestations, convulsive seizures, dyskinesias and dysautonomias. One neuroimaging finding that has received little attention is reversible cortical atrophy, the underlying mechanism of which is unknown. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 6-year-old girl who started with focal convulsive seizures, with an abnormal epileptogenic electroencephalogram and an initial tomography scan of the head that was normal. Anticonvulsive treatment was established. At three weeks new convulsive seizures, psychiatric manifestations and disorders in the sleep-arousal cycle appeared. Suspecting a case of anti-NMDA antibody receptor encephalitis, analyses were performed to test for the presence of these antibodies in serum and in cerebrospinal fluid, the results being positive. Magnetic resonance imaging conducted during hospitalisation revealed generalised cortical atrophy. The Paediatric Oncology department ruled out any association with tumours. Two years after onset of the clinical picture, with the patient free of convulsive seizures, a neuropsychological appraisal was carried out. Results showed involvement of the executive functions and a follow-up magnetic resonance scan revealed recovery from the cortical atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanism underlying reversible cortical atrophy is unknown but in patients with anti-NMDA receptor antibody encephalitis it could be directly proportional to the amount of antibodies in circulation and the length of time the cerebral cortex was exposed to them. An early diagnosis and initiating immunomodulation are essential.

TITLE: Atrofia cortical reversible secundaria a encefalitis por anticuerpos antirreceptor de NMDA.Introduccion. La encefalitis por anticuerpos antirreceptor de N-metil-D-aspartato (NMDA) inicialmente se describio como un sindrome paraneoplasico asociado a teratoma de ovario, pero cada vez con mas frecuencia se han ido publicando casos en mujeres jovenes y niños como un cuadro encefalopatico autoinmune secundario en el 40-50% de los casos a un proceso viral. Clinicamente, se caracteriza por un cuadro progresivo de manifestaciones psiquiatricas, crisis convulsivas, discinesias y disautonomias. Un hallazgo neurorradiologico poco comunicado es la atrofia cortical reversible, de la cual se desconoce su mecanismo. Caso clinico. Niña que a los 6 años comenzo con crisis convulsivas focales, con electroencefalograma epileptogeno y tomografia de craneo inicial normal. Se inicio tratamiento anticonvulsionante. A las tres semanas aparecieron nuevas crisis convulsivas, manifestaciones psiquiatricas y alteraciones en el ciclo de sueño-vigilia. Ante la sospecha de encefalitis por anticuerpos antirreceptor de NMDA, estos se determinaron en el suero y el liquido cefalorraquideo con resultado positivo. Resonancia magnetica durante el ingreso con atrofia cortical generalizada. Oncologia Pediatrica descarto asociacion a tumores. A los dos años del cuadro, con la paciente libre de crisis convulsivas, una valoracion neuropsicologica mostro la afectacion de funciones ejecutivas y una resonancia magnetica de control evidencio la recuperacion de la atrofia cortical. Conclusion. El mecanismo de la atrofia cortical reversible se desconoce, pero en pacientes con encefalitis por anticuerpos antirreceptor de NMDA podria ser directamente proporcional a la cantidad de anticuerpos circulantes y el tiempo de exposicion a estos en la corteza cerebral. Es muy importante el diagnostico temprano y el inicio de inmunomodulacion.

Acute mechanisms underlying antibody effects in anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis.

OBJECTIVE: A severe but treatable form of immune-mediated encephalitis is associated with antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) against the GluN1 subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Prolonged exposure of hippocampal neurons to antibodies from patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis caused a reversible decrease in the synaptic localization and function of NMDARs. However, acute effects of the antibodies, fate of the internalized receptors, type of neurons affected, and whether neurons develop compensatory homeostatic mechanisms were unknown and are the focus of this study. METHODS: Dissociated hippocampal neuron cultures and rodent brain sections were used for immunocytochemical, physiological, and molecular studies. RESULTS: Patient antibodies bind to NMDARs throughout the rodent brain, and decrease NMDAR cluster density in both excitatory and inhibitory hippocampal neurons. They rapidly increase the internalization rate of surface NMDAR clusters, independent of receptor activity. This internalization likely accounts for the observed decrease in NMDAR-mediated currents, as no evidence of direct blockade was detected. Once internalized, antibody-bound NMDARs traffic through both recycling endosomes and lysosomes, similar to pharmacologically induced NMDAR endocytosis. The antibodies are responsible for receptor internalization, as their depletion from CSF abrogates these effects in hippocampal neurons. We find that although anti-NMDAR antibodies do not induce compensatory changes in glutamate receptor gene expression, they cause a decrease in inhibitory synapse density onto excitatory hippocampal neurons. INTERPRETATION: Our data support an antibody-mediated mechanism of disease pathogenesis driven by immunoglobulin-induced receptor internalization. Antibody-mediated downregulation of surface NMDARs engages homeostatic synaptic plasticity mechanisms, which may inadvertently contribute to disease progression.

[Acute encephalitis anti-ionotropic glutamate receptor activated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDAR): analysis of eleven pediatric cases in Argentina (Benito Yelín Award)]. / Encefalitis aguda mediada por anticuerpos contra el receptor ionotrópico de glutamato activado por N-metil-D-aspartato (NMDAR): análisis de once casos pediátricos en Argentina (Premio Benito Yelín).

Encephalitis are an inflammatory processes of various origin, among which include autoimmune origin. The identification of antibodies against the N-methyl-D- aspartate, allowed clinical immunological characterization of an entity susceptible to immunomodulatory therapy. Originally described in young women associated with ovarian teratoma, is now a recognized entity in children even in the absence of detectable tumors. The aim of the study was conducted through review of medical records, was to describe the clinical, developmental and findings in further studies of eleven children with confirmed diagnosis of this entity through identification of specific antibodies. All debuted with psychiatric symptoms in nine associating seizures, and two extrapyramidal movements. In the evolution of language all had commitment nine severe autonomic symptoms, one with hypoventilation and requirements of ARM. Brain MRI was abnormal in three. Eight had voltage EEG asymmetry and / or amplitude, three of them had spikes. Six had CSF pleocytosis and three of seven positive oligoclonal bands. Five IgM serology for mycoplasma were positive. CPK increase occurred in conjunction with antisychotics in five. With immunomodulatory treatment, five had complete recovery three behavioral disorders / cognitive deficits and one severe. A patient's clinical picture resolved without treatment. In any associated tumor was detected. We conclude that in front of a child with acute encephalopathy and clinical support this entity after infectious cause were ruled out, immunomodulatory therapy should be started early, avoid the use of antipsychotic drugs and search for possible hidden tumors.

Encefalitis aguda mediada por anticuerpos contra el receptor ionotrópico de glutamato activado por N-metil-D-aspartato (NMDAR): análisis de once casos pediátricos en Argentina (Premio Benito Yelín). / [Acute encephalitis anti-ionotropic glutamate receptor activated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDAR): analysis of eleven pediatric cases in Argentina (Benito Yelín Award)].

Encephalitis are an inflammatory processes of various origin, among which include autoimmune origin. The identification of antibodies against the N-methyl-D- aspartate, allowed clinical immunological characterization of an entity susceptible to immunomodulatory therapy. Originally described in young women associated with ovarian teratoma, is now a recognized entity in children even in the absence of detectable tumors. The aim of the study was conducted through review of medical records, was to describe the clinical, developmental and findings in further studies of eleven children with confirmed diagnosis of this entity through identification of specific antibodies. All debuted with psychiatric symptoms in nine associating seizures, and two extrapyramidal movements. In the evolution of language all had commitment nine severe autonomic symptoms, one with hypoventilation and requirements of ARM. Brain MRI was abnormal in three. Eight had voltage EEG asymmetry and / or amplitude, three of them had spikes. Six had CSF pleocytosis and three of seven positive oligoclonal bands. Five IgM serology for mycoplasma were positive. CPK increase occurred in conjunction with antisychotics in five. With immunomodulatory treatment, five had complete recovery three behavioral disorders / cognitive deficits and one severe. A patients clinical picture resolved without treatment. In any associated tumor was detected. We conclude that in front of a child with acute encephalopathy and clinical support this entity after infectious cause were ruled out, immunomodulatory therapy should be started early, avoid the use of antipsychotic drugs and search for possible hidden tumors.

Encefalitis aguda mediada por anticuerpos contra el receptor ionotrópico de glutamato activado por N-metil-D-aspartato (NMDAR): análisis de once casos pediátricos en Argentina (Premio Benito Yelín) / [Acute encephalitis anti-ionotropic glutamate receptor activated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDAR): analysis of eleven pediatric cases in Argentina (Benito Yelín Award)].

Encephalitis are an inflammatory processes of various origin, among which include autoimmune origin. The identification of antibodies against the N-methyl-D- aspartate, allowed clinical immunological characterization of an entity susceptible to immunomodulatory therapy. Originally described in young women associated with ovarian teratoma, is now a recognized entity in children even in the absence of detectable tumors. The aim of the study was conducted through review of medical records, was to describe the clinical, developmental and findings in further studies of eleven children with confirmed diagnosis of this entity through identification of specific antibodies. All debuted with psychiatric symptoms in nine associating seizures, and two extrapyramidal movements. In the evolution of language all had commitment nine severe autonomic symptoms, one with hypoventilation and requirements of ARM. Brain MRI was abnormal in three. Eight had voltage EEG asymmetry and / or amplitude, three of them had spikes. Six had CSF pleocytosis and three of seven positive oligoclonal bands. Five IgM serology for mycoplasma were positive. CPK increase occurred in conjunction with antisychotics in five. With immunomodulatory treatment, five had complete recovery three behavioral disorders / cognitive deficits and one severe. A patient’s clinical picture resolved without treatment. In any associated tumor was detected. We conclude that in front of a child with acute encephalopathy and clinical support this entity after infectious cause were ruled out, immunomodulatory therapy should be started early, avoid the use of antipsychotic drugs and search for possible hidden tumors.