Analysis of anti-IgLON5 antibody-associated encephalopathy after trauma

Materials and Methods

This study aims to elucidate the pathogenic factors, early diagnosis, and treatment of anti-IgLON5 antibody-associated encephalopathy by examining the clinical characteristics and management of a patient following a traumatic injury and reviewing relevant literature. We analyzed the clinical data and treatment process of a patient diagnosed with anti-IgLON5 antibody-associated encephalopathy after an injury at the People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on September 21, 2020. Clinical characteristics and the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this condition were summarized.

Results

The patient was a 68-year-old male who was admitted after sustaining multiple injuries from a car accident eight days prior and presenting with fever for two days. His medical history included clear trauma from the accident, with CT imaging revealing multiple cerebral contusions. Upon admission, his consciousness fluctuated from sleepiness to lethargy, accompanied by high fever and seizures. Follow-up CT scans showed no significant changes. We actively sought the cause of the fever and investigated potential infections while administering antiepileptic drugs, glucocorticoids, and immunosuppressants, yielding acceptable results. Immunological analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed positive anti-IgLON5 antibodies.

Conclusion 1

Confirm the established clinical and diagnostic features while emphasizing the therapeutic value of early immunotherapy. 2. Link mechanical injury to autoimmune activation and suggest trauma as a new triggering factor. 3. Highlight hippocampal MRI abnormalities as potential diagnostic clues and urge the expansion of neuroimaging protocols in suspected cases.