Autoimmune encephalitis and axonal polyradiculoneuropathy following therapy with adalimumab and secukinumab: a case report and literature review.

Abstract

Background: Autoimmune encephalitis is a challenging neurological disorder to diagnose, and in recent years the number of reported cases associated with the use of immunotherapy has increased, as has its association with other neurological events, including peripheral nervous system involvement.

Case presentation: We report the case of a young woman who presented with polyradiculoneuropathy, manifesting weakness and sensory changes, and who subsequently developed a decreased level of consciousness, aphasia, and right hemiparesis. After extensive investigation, she was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis associated with polyradiculoneuropathy and treated with human immunoglobulin and corticosteroids. Due to a partial response, treatment was switched to rituximab, resulting in significant clinical improvement.

Conclusions: This case highlights the growing evidence linking biological immunotherapies to autoimmune neurological complications and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and appropriate immunosuppressive treatment.