N-methyl D-aspartate receptor antibody encephalitis associated with myelitis

Abstract

Encephalitis associated with antibodies to the N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) was first described in young women with ovarian teratoma. It has subsequently been described in men, children and in those without an underlying tumour. Characteristic clinical features include neuropsychiatric symptoms, seizures, movement disorders, hypoventilation and autonomic instability. Spinal cord disease in association with other typical clinical features has been described in only one patient previously. We report a patient presenting with myelitis, with typical features of NMDA-R associated encephalitis manifesting 3 months later.