ObjectiveTo make a better understanding of potassium channel-complex autoimmune antibodies associated limbic encephalitis, we studied in details with patients of this autoimmune disease accompanying without tumors.
MethodsDiagnosis of 3 patients were confirmed by antibody detection in serum or CSF. All the clinical data, including history, CSF data, cranial MRI, EEG, pelvic ultrasound and treatment strategy, were carefully gathered. Two to eleven months follow-up were carried out.
Results3 female adult patients showed common initial manifestation of seizures, and changes of consciousness, mental disorder and cognitive impairment. Hyponatremia was found in one LGI1-Ab+ patient. Cranial MRI showed unilateral or bilateral signal changes with limbic system. Changes of CSF and EEG were nonspecific. All 3 patients became recovery in different levels after two to eleven months.
ConclusionsPotassium channel-complex antibodies associated encephalitis may be a common type of limbic encephalitis in adults without tumors. Seizures may be the first sign of the disease. Hyponatremia is one of characteristics of LGI1-Ab+ patient. Patients may have a fairly good short outcome.
