Four-year-old anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis patient with ovarian teratoma: A case report

BACKGROUND: A population-based comparative study in United States shows that the prevalence and incidence of autoimmune encephalitis are comparable to those of infectious encephalitis and its detection is increasing over time. Some patients are complicated with ovarian teratoma. The younger the patient is, the less likely a tumor will be present. CASE SUMMARY: This case report describes the successful treatment of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis by early laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy and immunotherapy in a 4-year-old female child. And to the best of our knowledge, this detailed case report describes the youngest patient to date with anti-NMDAR encephalitis who underwent laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. CONCLUSION: Although the younger the patient is, the less likely a tumor will be detected, we still emphasize that all patients with suspected or confirmed anti-NMDAR encephalitis should be screened for ovarian tumors if possible. Prompt initiation of immunotherapy and tumor removal are crucial for good outcomes.