A rare presentation of autoimmune limbic encephalitis with anti-Yo antibodies: Case report

Abstract

Introduction: Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis is a non-metastatic complication of malignant disease characterized by subacute neuropsychiatric symptoms and short-term memory deficits.

Case: We present an atypical case of a 38-year-old, previously healthy female with recurrent seizures, severe persistent short-term memory loss, and emotional lability. The patient was diagnosed with autoimmune limbic encephalitis confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging findings and positive anti-Yo antibodies. She screened negative for occult malignancies. The patient responded to daily prednisone and intravenous immunoglobulins and her cognitive deficits were resolved.

Conclusion: This is an unusual case of autoimmune encephalitis as anti-Yo antibodies are typically associated with cerebellar dysfunction. Our patient’s case adds to the one other published case showing induction of limbic encephalitis due to anti-Yo antibodies, and prompts consideration of paraneoplastic anti-Yo limbic encephalitis as a rare cause of symptoms in patients with limbic encephalitis-like symptoms and no known etiology.