Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis with associated catatonia during pregnancy

J Neurol. 2012 Dec;259(12):2632-5. doi: 10.1007/s00415-012-6561-z. Epub 2012 Jul 1.

Abstract

Anti-NMDA-R encephalitis has been described as a cause of acute psychosis in young females. It is rare during pregnancy. We describe a primigravida 32-year-old woman with acute onset psychosis during the first trimester. Eight weeks after becoming pregnant, the patient became psychotic with associated catatonia and autonomic disturbance. Serum anti-NMDA-R antibodies were found. She responded to plasma exchange. At caesarean section, a healthy baby boy was born and a benign mature cystic teratoma was removed from the left ovary. Catatonia associated with psychosis may occur in pregnancy secondary to anti-NMDA-R encephalitis. Prompt and aggressive treatment can lead to a good outcome for both baby and mother.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / complications*
  • Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / diagnosis*
  • Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis / therapy
  • Catatonia / complications*
  • Catatonia / diagnosis*
  • Catatonia / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Plasma Exchange / methods
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy