Gamma-aminobutyric-acid-B receptor antibodies in limbic encephalitis with small cell lung cancer

Abstract

A B S T R A C TEncephalitis associated with antibodies to gamma-aminobutyric-acid B (GABA-B) is a subgroup of autoimmune synaptic encephalitis with typical features of limbic encephalitis and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We report a case of anti-GABA-B receptor encephalitis in a 57-year-old man who presented with seizures, memory loss, and abnormal behavior. He developed partially neurological responses to immunotherapy, but refused comprehensive tumor screening. The symptoms were aggravated again 4 months later. Workup showed antibodies to GABA-B receptors and tumor screening revealed SCLC. It highlights the importance of early screening of underlying tumor and anti-tumor treatment in paraneoplastic cases. Cite this article as: Liu KQ, Yan SQ, Lou M. Gamma-aminobutyric-acid-B receptor antibodies in limbic encephalitis with small cell lung cancer. Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2015;2(3):187-9.