Teratoma-Associated Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis

Abstract

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a recently described disease process most often associated with ovarian teratomas and should be a consideration in a young female patient who presents with acute encephalopathic symptoms. Although an infectious etiology must remain the primary concern, suspicion for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis should be heightened if there is no apparent clinical improvement with conventional treatments for infectious encephalitis as prompt diagnosis and treatment is crucial for preventing mortality and reducing morbidity.