[Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis resulting from non-Hodgkin-lymphoma: two case reports]

Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr. 2008 Jan;76(1):41-6. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-996171.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) is a rare disease that is probably caused by an immunological reaction against CNS-structures. It may present with neurological, neuropsychological or psychiatric symptoms. Besides treatment of the underlying neoplastic disease, there is no generally applicable evidence-based treatment. PLE is most frequently associated with certain carcinomas, but its occurrence with Hodgkin lymphoma has also been recognized. Association with non-Hodgkin lymphoma has only been occasionally reported in single cases. We report two additional patients, in whom malignant non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the B- and T-cell lines were detected. Treatment with corticosteroids in one and chemotherapy in the other case were associated with clinical improvement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Electroencephalography
  • Humans
  • Limbic Encephalitis / drug therapy
  • Limbic Encephalitis / etiology*
  • Limbic Encephalitis / psychology
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / complications*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / psychology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents