Rapidly progressive dementia–associated N-type voltage-gated calcium channel antibody encephalopathy. Issue 2 (2nd April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thakolwiboon, Smathorn; Karukote, Amputch; Sohn, Gyeongmo; Duarte-Celada, Walter R.; Julayanont, Parunyou
• Is Part Of: Proceedings. Volume 33:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 278
• Page End: 280
• Publication Date: 2020-04-02
• Subjects: Autoimmune encephalopathy -- N-type voltage-gated calcium channel -- rapidly progressive dementia -- VGCC encephalitis; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Medicine -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2019.1709117
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0899-8280

Abstract

Abstract: Autoimmune encephalopathy is one of the treatable causes of rapidly progressive dementia; however, it is often underdiagnosed. Autoantibodies against voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) have been linked to several neurological disorders, including Lambert-Eaton syndrome, but VGCC antibody-associated encephalopathy is uncommon. Herein, we present a case of a 74-year-old woman with prominent neuropsychiatric symptoms followed by rapid cognitive decline. Extensive initial studies were nondiagnostic. Subsequently, serum N-type VGCC antibody was positive. After treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient's cognition and neuropsychiatric symptoms significantly improved.