Demyelinating disease and anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor immunoglobulin G antibodies: a case report

BACKGROUND: Anti–N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor immunoglobulin G antibodies directed against the GluN1 subunit are considered highly specific for anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, a severe clinical syndrome characterized by seizures, psychiatric symptoms, orofacial dyskinesia and autonomic dysfunction. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report a 33 year old Caucasian male patient with clinically definite multiple sclerosis who was found to be positive for anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibodies. Rituximab therapy was initiated. On the 18 months follow-up visit the patient was found to be clinically stable, without typical signs of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis. CONCLUSION: Our findings add to the growing evidence for a possible association between anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis and demyelinating diseases.