Autoimmune encephalitis with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neuroimaging-based syndrome and is associated with multifocal vasogenic cerebral edema. Patients with PRES frequently demonstrate headache, seizure, encephalopathy, altered mental function, visual loss and so on. We here report a patient who showed persistent neurologic deficits after PRES and was ultimately diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis (AE).

CASE SUMMARY

This case exhibits a rare imaging manifestation of anti-casper 2 encephalitis which was initially well-matched with PRES and associated vasogenic edema.

CONCLUSION

AE should be further considered when the etiology, clinical manifestations, and course of PRES are atypical.

Keywords: Autoimmune encephalitis; Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome; Neuroimaging; Immunotherapy; Blood-brain barrier; Case report

Core Tip: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is associated with many diverse clinical comorbid, the most common of which are hypertension, eclampsia, renal failure and immunosuppressive treatment. PRES is a neuroimaging-based syndrome and is associated with multifocal vasogenic cerebral edema. Patients with PRES are frequently manifested by headache, seizure, encephalopathy, altered mental function, visual loss, etc. We here report a patient who showed persistent neurologic deficits after PRES and was ultimately diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis.