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Adolescent Psychiatry

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 2210-6766
ISSN (Online): 2210-6774

Case Report

Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis in a Patient with a History of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Author(s): Xavier Diao* and Milana Mor

Volume 10, Issue 3, 2020

Page: [231 - 235] Pages: 5

DOI: 10.2174/2211352517666190902144221

Abstract

Background: Anti-NMDA receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune syndrome characterized by a well-described constellation of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Its exact pathophysiology is poorly understood, but it is thought to be mediated by autoantibodies against NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate)-type glutamate receptors in the central nervous system. There is ongoing literature to suggest that patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have evidence of neuroinflammation—or by definition, encephalitis.

Objective: To investigate the link between autism spectrum disorder and autoimmune encephalitides.

Methods: We present a case of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in a patient with autism spectrum disorder. “OP” is a 16-year-old male with a history of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who presented with a 3-day history of acute-onset altered mental status, electroencephalogram (EEG)-corroborated seizures, and slurred speech. Laboratory studies were significant for serum- and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-positive NMDA antibodies. The child psychiatry consult-liaison service was consulted for significant agitation and behavioral dyscontrol. We recommended 1:1 observation for safety, as well as antipsychotic agents titrated to clinical effect. The patient had a protracted hospital course, but was eventually discharged to an acute rehabilitation facility for continued stabilization and therapy.

Conclusion: It remains to be seen if the relation between encephalitis and ASD is uni- or bidirectional, that is: whether children with ASD have a genetic diathesis to developing encephalitides (such as those mediated by the NMDAR), or conversely, if deranged or inflamed neuroreceptor processes are implicated in the development of ASD.

Keywords: Anti-NMDA receptor, ASD, cerebrospinal fluid, encephalitis, patient, antipsychotic agents.


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