A Rare Case of Wobbly, Psychotic Patient with Frozen Eyes - Anti-AMPA Receptor Encephalitis

• Published in: Neurology India 2021-01, Vol.69 (1), p.149-152
• Main Authors: Ashok, V, Nagabushana, D, Yashwanth, G, Mahadevan, A, Netravathi, M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case studies; Encephalitis; Eye movements; Nervous system; Neurologic manifestations of general diseases; Psychoses; Psychosis
• ISSN: 0028-3886; 1998-4022
• DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.310087

Background: Anti α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) encephalitis is a rare autoimmune encephalitis. They present with memory, confusion or behavioral changes. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe unusual clinical features in a patient with AMPAR-associated encephalitis. Case: A 42-year-old female presented to us with bulbar and gait disturbances of three weeks duration and behavioral changes for ten days. She was found to have memory impairment along with psychosis. She had left eye ptosis, restricted eye movements, sluggish deep tendon reflexes, and bilateral cerebellar signs. Her serum and CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) AMPAR2 antibodies were strongly positive; CT (computed tomography) chest showed evidence of Thymoma. She was treated with steroids with significant improvement initially but expired within 3 months of diagnosis. Conclusion: This is the first report of AMPAR associated encephalitis from India presenting with unique clinical features affecting both the CNS (central nervous system)––(psychosis, ataxia, cognition) and PNS––peripheral nervous system involvement (ptosis, restricted eye movements, bulbar disturbances).