Two different presentations, one diagnosis
McCluskey, G.; Rajani, C.K.; Lewis, G.; Kaushal, V.; Gardiner, P.V.; Jee, P.; Trip, A.; McCarron, M.O.; de Wolff, J.F.
Acute Medicine 13(3): 121-125
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1747-4884 PMID: 25229063 Document Number: 15887
Acute confusion and hyponatraemia are common presentations in acute medicine. We report two cases of anti-voltage gated potassium channel (VGKC) antibody-related limbic encephalitis highlighting the variable presentation of this condition. Both patients were thoroughly investigated with MRI scan of brain, lumbar puncture, EEG as well as infective and autoimmune screens for encephalitis. Anti-VGKC antibodies were positive for both patients and prompt treatment with immunotherapy yielded good recovery. Patients presenting with confusion and seizures who have no demonstrable infectious or metabolic cause should have investigation for an autoimmune cause expedited. In addition, psychiatric presentations with atypical features such as drowsiness should prompt similar investigations. The outcome of anti-VGKCrelated limbic encephalitis is improved with early treatment employing steroids or immunotherapy.
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