Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Encephalitis after Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis

Encephalitis due to herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) has been described as a potential trigger for the development of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) autoimmune encephalitis within few days to months. Here, we report one such case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis which was triggered by preceding H...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: John J. Vaidya
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2024-12-01
Series:Archives of Medicine and Health Sciences
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Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/amhs.amhs_210_23
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Summary:Encephalitis due to herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) has been described as a potential trigger for the development of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) autoimmune encephalitis within few days to months. Here, we report one such case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis which was triggered by preceding HSV encephalitis. The patient had a history of headache and fever of 1–2-week duration, and cerebrospinal fluid and magnetic resonance imaging picture suggestive of HSV encephalitis. After 2 weeks of completion of 14-day course of acyclovir, he had symptoms of altered behavior, headache, and vomiting. The possibility of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) encephalitis occurring after HSV encephalitis was considered. Serum for anti-NMDA antibody came positive, and he improved with treatment. A high index of suspicion and awareness of such a possibility can help in making the diagnosis and initiate early therapy.
ISSN:2321-4848
2321-6085