Two different presentations, one diagnosis.

Abstract

Acute confusion and hyponatraemia are common presentations in acute medicine. We report two cases of anti-voltage gated potassium channel (VGKC) antibody-related limbic encephalitis highlighting the variable presentation of this condition. Both patients were thoroughly investigated with MRI scan of brain, lumbar puncture, EEG as well as infective and autoimmune screens for encephalitis. Anti-VGKC antibodies were positive for both patients and prompt treatment with immunotherapy yielded good recovery. Patients presenting with confusion and seizures who have no demonstrable infectious or metabolic cause should have investigation for an autoimmune cause expedited. In addition, psychiatric presentations with atypical features such as drowsiness should prompt similar investigations. The outcome of anti-VGKCrelated limbic encephalitis is improved with early treatment employing steroids or immunotherapy.

• Authors: Gavin McCluskey, Chandni K Rajani, Gareth Lewis, Vibhu Kaushal, Philip V Gardiner, Pamela Jee, Anand Trip, Mark O McCarron, Jacob F de Wolff
• Journal: Acute medicine (Acute Med) Vol. 13 Issue 3 Pg. 121-5 ( 2014) ISSN: 1747-4892 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25229063 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Brain (pathology)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Humans
• Limbic Encephalitis (complications, diagnosis)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (methods)
• Male
• Seizures (diagnosis, etiology)
• Spinal Puncture (methods)