Case report of anti-NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis in an adult male patient
https://doi.org/10.21518/ms2025-234
Abstract
Physicians’ awareness of autoimmune encephalitis as a cause of subacute psychiatric symptoms has increased over the past decade, proportional to the growing number of published reviews and clinical cases on the topic. This trend is driven by improved diagnostic methods, including the detection of specific antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as a better understanding of the diverse clinical presentations. Classically, anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (anti-NMDAR AE) is perceived by clinicians as part of a paraneoplastic syndrome in young women with ovarian teratomas. However, the production of pathological antibodies can also occur in men, a factor that must be considered during differential diagnosis, particularly in cases of psychotic disorders, cognitive impairment, or seizures. In this article, we describe a clinical case of a male patient with relatively early-diagnosed anti-NMDAR AE, highlighting the importance of prompt immunological testing and early treatment initiation to improve outcomes. Early diagnosis helps minimize neurological complications and enhances patients’ quality of life.
About the Authors
S. A. Ryabov
City Clinical Hospital No. 24
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sergey A. Ryabov, Cand. Sci. (Med.), Neurologist
10, Pistsovaya St., Moscow, 127015
E. V. Popova
City Clinical Hospital No. 24
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ekaterina V. Popova, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Head of the District Department of Multiple Sclerosis
10, Pistsovaya St., Moscow, 127015
S. R. Zeynalova
City Clinical Hospital No. 24
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Svetlana R. Zeynalova, Cand. Sci. (Med.), Deputy Chief Physician
10, Pistsovaya St., Moscow, 127015
A. G. Ryabov
City Clinical Hospital No. 24
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Alexey G. Ryabov, Cand. Sci. (Med.), Head of the Neurological Department
10, Pistsovaya St., Moscow, 127015
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For citations:
Ryabov SA, Popova EV, Zeynalova SR, Ryabov AG. Case report of anti-NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis in an adult male patient. Meditsinskiy sovet = Medical Council. 2025;19(13):81-86. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21518/ms2025-234
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