Cardiac arrest due to anti-NMDAR encephalitis associated with ovarian teratoma
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32818/reccmi.a11n1a7Keywords:
anti-NMDAR encephalitis, ovarian teratoma, adolescence, PCR, immunotherapy, dysautonomiaAbstract
Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is a severe autoimmune disease frequently associated with ovarian teratoma in young women.
It is characterized by initial neuropsychiatric symptoms that can progress to catatonia, abnormal movements,
seizures, and severe dysautonomia. We present the case of a 17-year-old patient with anti-NMDAR encephalitis associated
with ovarian teratoma who developed severe catatonia, rigidity, and dysautonomia with apneas, requiring
admission to the ICU where she suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest. She was treated with stepwise immunotherapy
(methylprednisolone, immunoglobulins, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide) and laparoscopic oophorectomy, with
a favorable outcome and functional recovery. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, early identification
of dysautonomia, and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to improve prognosis.
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