P34-T Serial EEG findings in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis

Abstract

Serial EEG findings in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Background Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a treatable but often misdiagnosed autoimmune encephalitis. Patients present with neuropsychiatric symptoms, impaired consciousness, seizures, autonomic instability, and hypoventilation Electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities are very common in anti-NMDAR encephalitis and may contribute to diagnosis at early stages of disease. The aim of the study was to describe serial EEG findings of in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Material and methods We present detailed clinical, electroencephalographical characteristics and long-term follow-up of five patients with confirmed anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Results All patients had abnormal EEG. The main presentations of abnormal EEG were diffuse slowing, epileptiform discharges, extreme delta brush, polymorphic delta rhythm and focal slowing. The degree of abnormalities correlated with disease progression and diminished along with the clinical improvement. Conclusion The majority of anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients had abnormal EEG. EEG could sensitively reflect the abnormal brain functions of patients and could assist with early clinical diagnosis and prognosis prediction.