Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis associated with ovarian teratoma in Korea: three case reports

• Published in: Journal of yeungnam medical science Vol. 38; no. 4; pp. 350 - 355
• Main Authors: Lee, Jisun, Kang, Seongwoo, Chang, Hye Jin, Lee, Yong Hee, Son, Joo-Hyuk, Kong, Tae Wook, Chang, Suk-Joon, Hwang, Kyung Joo, Kim, Miran
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Yeungnam University College of Medicine 01.10.2021; 영남대학교 의과대학
• Subjects: Case Report; 의학일반; Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis; Mature ovarian teratoma; Immature ovarian teratoma
• ISSN: 2384-0293; 2384-0293; 2799-8010
• DOI: 10.12701/yujm.2020.00794

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a severe autoimmune paraneoplastic syndrome associated with ovarian teratomas. Most patients develop neurologic symptoms, including psychosis, memory deficits, seizures, or abnormal movements, and experience abdominal pain related to ovarian neoplasm. We present a case report of three patients diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis accompanied by ovarian teratomas at Ajou University Hospital in Korea. The patients demonstrated a different clinical course of the disease. However, upon diagnosis, all patients underwent surgical removal of the ovarian teratoma followed by intensive immunotherapy. The symptoms progressively improved following treatment. This is a case report of a rare autoimmune anti-NMDAR encephalitis associated with ovarian neoplasms, including immature teratoma.