Antibody-associated CNS syndromes without signs of inflammation in the elderly

作者:Escudero Domingo; Guasp Mar; Arino Helena; Gaig Carles; Martinez Hernandez Eugenia; Dalmau Josep; Graus Francesc*
来源:Neurology, 2017, 89(14): 1471-1475.
DOI:10.1212/WNL.0000000000004541

摘要

Objective: To report the CNS syndromes of patients >= 60 years of age with antibodies against neuronal surface antigens but no evidence of brain MRI and CSF inflammatory changes. Methods: This was a retrospective clinical analysis of patients with antibodies against neuronal surface antigens who fulfilled 3 criteria: age >= 60 years, no inflammatory abnormalities in brain MRI, and no CSF pleocytosis. Antibodies were determined with reported techniques. Results: Among 155 patients >= 60 years of age with neurologic syndromes related to antibodies against neuronal surface antigens, 35 (22.6%) fulfilled the indicated criteria. The median age of these 35 patients was 68 years (range 60-88 years). Clinical manifestations included faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS) in 11 of 35 (31.4%) patients, all with LGI1 antibodies; a combination of gait instability, brainstem dysfunction, and sleep disorder associated with IgLON5 antibodies in 10 (28.6%); acute confusion, memory loss, and behavioral changes suggesting autoimmune encephalitis (AE) in 9 (25.7%; 2 patients with AMPAR, 2 with NMDAR, 2 with GABAbR, 2 with LGI1, and 1 with CASPR2 antibodies); and rapidly progressive cognitive deterioration in 5 (14.3%; 3 patients with IgLON5 antibodies, 1 with chorea; 1 with DPPX antibody-associated cerebellar ataxia and arm rigidity; and 1 with CASPR2 antibodies). Conclusions: In patients >= 60 years of age, the correct identification of characteristic CNS syndromes (FBDS, anti-IgLON5 syndrome, AE) should prompt antibody testing even without evidence of inflammation in MRI and CSF studies. Up to 15% of the patients developed rapidly progressive cognitive deterioration, which further complicated the differential diagnosis with a neurodegenerative disorder.

  • 出版日期2017-10-3