Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis as a reversible cause of acute psychoses: Diagnostic possibilities. (Comment on the article by E.V. Snedkov "Is anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis real? I. Diagnostic challenges")

Abstract

Encephalitis with antibodies to NMDA receptors is a form of autoimmune encephalitis that most often debuts as an acute psychosis. Considering its curability and reversibility, encephalitis with antibodies to NMDA receptors must be included into differential diagnostic list for all the patients suffering first psychotic episode. However, to diagnose it, it is necessary to follow a step-by-step algorithm considering both clinical and instrumental and laboratory data. Confirming anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis based solely on increased blood antibodies level often leads to false-positive diagnostics and errors in treatment of such patients. In this article, we discuss diagnostic features of encephalitis with antibodies to NMDA receptors,as well as other forms of autoimmune encephalitis that can initially manifest as acute psychoses.