Severe Central Hypoventilation Syndrome in a Patient With Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a condition that is characterized by a variety of psychiatric and neurological symptoms, including central hypoventilation syndrome (CHS). CHS presents with apnea or hypopnea and can vary in severity and rapidity of development but rarely leads to respiratory failure that requires mechanical ventilation. Our patient was diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis after he presented with classic symptoms, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed positive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibodies. During the course of the disease, he developed CHS, which led to respiratory arrest. After treatment with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasma exchange, the patient’s symptoms improved with complete resolution of the apneic episodes.