[18F]-Fluoro-Deoxy-Glucose Positron Emission Tomography Scan Should Be Obtained Early in Cases of Autoimmune Encephalitis

Joint Authors

Newey, C. R.
Sarwal, A.
Hantus, S.

Source

Autoimmune Diseases

Issue

Vol. 2016, Issue 2016 (31 Dec. 2016), pp.1-6, 6 p.

Publisher

Hindawi Publishing Corporation

Publication Date

2016-07-31

Country of Publication

Egypt

No. of Pages

6

Main Subjects

Diseases

Abstract EN

Introduction.

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a clinically challenging diagnosis with nonspecific neurological symptoms.

Prompt diagnosis is important and often relies on neuroimaging.

We present a case series of AE highlighting the importance of an early [18F]-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan.

Methods.

Retrospective review of seven consecutive cases of autoimmune encephalitis.

Results.

All patients had both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and FDG-PET scans.

Initial clinical presentations included altered mental status and/or new onset seizures.

Six cases had serum voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) antibody and one had serum N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antibody.

MRI of brain showed mesial temporal lobe hyperintensity in five cases of VGKC.

The other two patients with VGKC or NMDA AE had restiform body hyperintensity on MRI brain or a normal MRI, respectively.

Mesial temporal lobe hypermetabolism was noted in three cases on FDG-PET, despite initial unremarkable MRI.

Malignancy workup was negative in all patients.

Conclusion.

A high index of suspicion for AE should be maintained in patients presenting with cognitive symptoms, seizures, and limbic changes on neuroimaging.

In cases with normal initial brain MRI, FDG-PET can be positive.

Additionally, extralimbic hyperintensity on MRI may also be observed.

American Psychological Association (APA)

Newey, C. R.& Sarwal, A.& Hantus, S.. 2016. [18F]-Fluoro-Deoxy-Glucose Positron Emission Tomography Scan Should Be Obtained Early in Cases of Autoimmune Encephalitis. Autoimmune Diseases،Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1094992

Modern Language Association (MLA)

Newey, C. R.…[et al.]. [18F]-Fluoro-Deoxy-Glucose Positron Emission Tomography Scan Should Be Obtained Early in Cases of Autoimmune Encephalitis. Autoimmune Diseases No. 2016 (2016), pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1094992

American Medical Association (AMA)

Newey, C. R.& Sarwal, A.& Hantus, S.. [18F]-Fluoro-Deoxy-Glucose Positron Emission Tomography Scan Should Be Obtained Early in Cases of Autoimmune Encephalitis. Autoimmune Diseases. 2016. Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1094992

Data Type

Journal Articles

Language

English

Notes

Includes bibliographical references

Record ID

BIM-1094992