A Rare Case of Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: CMV positivity, MTHFR 677T variant and hematoma on neuroimaging
Basak Gokcay1
, Safa Mete Dagdas2, Mehmet Semiz3, Dilek Cavusoglu4, Nihal Olgac Dundar5
1Afyonkarahisar Health Science University, Pediatric Neurology, Afyon, Türkiye
2University of Health Sciences, Izmir City Hospital, Pediatric Neurology, Izmir, Türkiye
3University of Health Sciences, Izmir City Hospital, Pediatric Neurology, Izmir, Türkiye
4Afyonkarahisar Health Science University, Pediatric Neurology, Afyon, Türkiye
5Izmir Katip Celebi University, Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience, Izmir, Türkiye
Keywords: nmda receptor, anti- nmda receptor encephalitis, hsv enfection, encephalitis, pediatric
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis represents the leading cause of severe encephalitis in the pediatric population. Recurrence of clinical manifestations is rarely observed. Recurrence is thought to result from secondary autoimmune processes rather than active viral infection. One of the most common etiologies of autoimmunity is anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Early recognition is essential for patient outcome in this treatable autoimmune encephalitis. Patients typically present with abnormal behavior and posture, speech disturbances, seizures, movement disorders, dyskinesias, and altered levels of consciousness. We describe a 21-month-old male presenting with fever, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and movement disorders.
Cite this article as: Gokcay B, Dagdas SM, Semiz M, Cavusoglu D, Olgac Dundar N. A rare case of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: CMV positivity, MTHFR 677T variant and hematoma on neuroimaging. Pediatr Acad Case Rep. 2026;5(3):69-72.