Epstein-Barr Virus Brainstem Encephalitis With
Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Antibodies

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 31(3); 2013 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2013;31(3): 199-202.

항-N-methyl-D-aspartate수용체 항체 양성인 엡스타인-바바이러스뇌간뇌염

임정아, 변정익 이순태 정근화 김영수 a 김정민 b 이상건 주 건

서울대학교병원 뇌전증 집중치료센터 신경치료 연구실 신경과, 분당서울대학교병원 신경과 a , 중앙대학교병원 신경과 b

Epstein-Barr Virus Brainstem Encephalitis With Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Antibodies

Jung-Ah Lim

Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea Department of Neurology a , Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea Department of Neurology b , Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

The neurological manifestations caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) occur only rarely in association with its primary infection or reactivation. The mechanism by which EBV produces neurological disease is unknown. This article describes two cases of polymerase-chain-reaction-proven EBV brainstem encephalitis. The sera of both patients contained autoantibodies against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), suggesting the presence of a secondary immunological mechanism. Prospective studies are needed to reveal whether the subgroup of patients with EBV encephalitis and anti-NMDAR antibodies have different clinical presentations and would benefit from immunotherapy. Key Words: Encephalitis, Epstein-Barr virus, N-Methyl-D-aspartate