| Abstract [eng] |
Introduction. With the rapid improvement in diagnostics, autoimmune encephalitis is being detected in increasing number of patients. Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is the most common type of autoimmune encephalitis, which is mostly prevalent in young people and especially children. Although the exact etiology of disease is unknown, infections are thought to play a role. We describe an exceptional case of autoimmune encephalitis in a child with coronavirus antibodies in the blood and human herpesvirus 7 in cerebrospinal fluid. Whether these infections may be associated with the development of autoimmune encephalitis is being investigated. Case description. 10-year old boy first-ever suffered seizures. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalogram and cerebrospinal fluid analysis suggested encephalitis. Diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis was confirmed by detection of antibodies to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Condition improved after empirical treatment with acyclovir and ceftriaxone and immunosuppressive therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone. Discussion and conclusions. Increasing evidence suggest that autoimmune encephalitis can develop after coronavirus infection. The time between the onset of infection and autoimmune encephalitis is usually 6 weeks. In present case, child had asymptomatic infection 3 months ago, so it is unlikely that coronavirus has caused autoimmune encephalitis. The link between immune-mediated diseases of nervous system and human herpesvirus 7 is unexplored area in the scientific literature. Since this virus can cause infectious encephalitis in children, especially when the initial infection occurs under the age of 6, it might also be a factor in the development of para- or post-infectious autoimmune encephalitis. |
