Post-infectious SARS-CoV-2 autoimmune encephalitis associated with N-type calcium channel antibodies

OBJECTIVE: To report the association between SARS-CoV-2 and Anti-N-Type Calcium Channel antibody positive, EEG and MRI-negative encephalitis with a treatment response to plasmapheresis. BACKGROUND: Postinfectious SARS-CoV-2 neuropsychiatric complications are common but the pathogenesis and response to treatment remains poorly understood. CASE: We report a case of autoimmune encephalitis with subacute onset after SARS-CoV -2infection with positive cerebrospinal fluid serology for Anti-N-Type-Calcium Channel antibodies. CSF profile showed cytoalbuminologic dissociation (CSF WBC 4, Protein 88). MRI and EEG were normal. Plasmapheresis resulted in significant improvement and resolution of cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations. CONCLUSION: Anti-N-type-Calcium Channel antibody encephalitis should be considered in patients who develop new neuropsychiatric symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection even in absence of positive EEG and MRI findings.