Search

A 46-year-old, previously healthy woman presented via telemedicine with 14 months of progressive asymmetrical weakness, numbness, paresthesias and tremors. History and clinical exam findings suggested a peripheral etiology resembling a variant CIDP presentation. Electrodiagnostic testing identified only one motor nerve with signs of demyelination; the remainder of motor and sensory nerves were unable to be evoked. MRI showed diffuse enhancement of the trigeminal nerve and cauda equina. CSF revealed albuminocytologic dissociation. The patient was treated empirically with methylprednisolone for a clinically suspected variant of CIDP, more specifically a nodo-paranodopathy. Two weeks after initiation of steroid treatment, cerebrospinal fluid and serum yielded antibodies to contactin-1 which coincided with our clinical suspicion for an autoimmune nodo-paranodopathy, which is known to be refractory to IVIG. Rituximab was added given the patient’s severe presentation at the time of diagnosis. The autoimmune nodo-paranodopathies are treatable, even in the case of a severe presentation. Lack of clinician awareness and delay in diagnosis can be detrimental as in the case of our nearly paralyzed patient. It is important to raise awareness of the disease, its presentation and therapeutic management since early diagnosis and correct treatment is paramount for neurological recovery.

Cerebral cortical encephalitis (CCE) is a recently described myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) phenotype. In this observational retrospective study, we characterized 19 CCE patients (6.7% of our MOGAD cohort). Headache (n = 15, 79%), seizures (n = 13, 68%), and encephalopathy (n = 12, 63%) were frequent. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed unilateral (n = 12, 63%) or bilateral (n = 7, 37%) cortical T2 hyperintensity and leptomeningeal enhancement (n = 17, 89%). N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor autoantibodies coexisted in 2 of 15 tested (13%). CCE pathology (n = 2) showed extensive subpial cortical demyelination (n = 2), microglial reactivity (n = 2), and inflammatory infiltrates (perivascular, n = 1; meningeal, n = 1). Most received high-dose steroids (n = 17, 89%), and all improved, but 3 had CCE relapses. This study highlights the CCE spectrum and provides insight into its pathogenesis. ANN NEUROL 2022.

To report the clinical presentations and outcomes of patients with seizure and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records for clinical and paraclinical features among patients with seizures and MOG-IgG (immunoglobulin G) seropositivity.We identified 213 patients with MOG-IgG seropositivity who fulfilled criteria for MOGAD. Seizures attributed to central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity were observed in 10% of patients (n = 23: 19 children, 4 adults). The majority (n = 19, 83%) had pediatric disease onset. Focal motor seizures were the most common seizure semiology (16/23; 70%). Focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures were present in 12 patients (53%), and 3 patients (13%) developed status epilepticus. All patients had features of encephalitis at onset of seizures. Cerebral cortical encephalitis (CCE) was the most common radiological finding (10 unilateral and 5 bilateral cases). Eight of 23 patients (35%) had only CCE, six of 23 patients (26%) had only acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and seven of 23 patients (30%) had features of both. Fifteen patients (65%) had leptomeningeal enhancement. Three patients (13%) had coexistence of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) IgG. Only 3 of 23 patients (13%) developed drug- resistant epilepsy. Although the majority had MOGAD relapses (14/23, 60%) had only 5 of 23 patients had recurrence of episodes of encephalitis with associated seizures. Twenty-one of 23 patients (91%) had seizure freedom at last follow-up.MOG-IgG evaluation should be considered in patients who present with encephalitis and focal motor and/or focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, especially pediatric patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain findings consistent with CCE, ADEM, or other MOGAD presentations. The majority of these seizures are self-limited and do not require maintenance/chronic antiseizure medications. Although seizure recurrence is uncommon, many patients have MOGAD relapses in the form of encephalitis and optic neuritis.

A growing spectrum of neurological manifestations are being recognized in association with IgLON5 autoimmunity, including recent reports of motor-neuron-disease-like phenotype. Here we describe four cases of IgLON5 autoimmunity with motor neuron involvement and evaluate an additional 109 probable or definite amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases seen in our neuromuscular clinic for IgLON5-IgG seropositivity. The presence of parasomnias, vocal cord dysfunction or hyperkinetic movements in a patient with motor-neuron-disease-like phenotype should prompt evaluation for IgLON5-IgG autoantibodies. Recognition and treatment of this autoimmune disease with immunosuppressive agents may bring about significant neurological improvement in a minority of cases.

To determine the frequency of detection and the age and sex associations of autoimmune/paraneoplastic encephalitis antibody biomarkers (AE-Abs).There were 42,032 patients tested in the Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology Laboratory between January 2018 and December 2019 for AE-Abs in serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), including NMDA-R-IgG, AMPA-R-IgG, GABAAdult serum analysis (22,472 patients; 56% female) revealed that 814 (3.6%) were positive: NMDA-R-IgG (24.6%)GAD65-IgG (21.5%)LGI1-IgG (20.5%)others. Of children (5649; 50% female), 251 (4.4%) were positive: NMDA-R-IgG (53.1%)MOG-IgG1 (32%)GAD65-IgG (7.1%)others. Adult CSF analysis (18,745 patients; 54% female) revealed that 796 (4.2%) were positive: NMDA-R-IgG (39.7%)GAD65-IgG (28.5%)LGI1-IgG (11.4%)others. Of children (5136; 50% female), 282 (5.5%) were positive: NMDA-R-IgG (88.1%)GAD65-IgG (8.7%)others. Age younger than 20 years was associated with NMDA-R-IgG and MOG-IgG1 (odds ratio [OR], 8.11 and 7.84, respectively; P.001). Age older than 65 years was associated with GABAThe most frequent AE-Abs detected were NMDA-R-IgG, GAD65-IgG, LGI1-IgG, and MOG-IgG1. Age and sex associations may suggest paraneoplastic, or aging influences on neurologic autoimmunity.

This study was undertaken to report clinical presentations and outcomes of CASPR2-IgG-associated seizures.Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology database was queried to identify CASPR2-IgG-seropositive (CASPR2-IgG+) patients evaluated at our institution (2009-2019).Of the 53 CASPR2-IgG+ patients (titer ≥ 1:10), 20 had seizures (38%). All seizure patients were male, with median onset age of 68 years. Eighteen (90%) had seizures at initial presentation. One patient was found to have malignancy (colon adenocarcinoma). Two patients had coexisting LGI1-IgG. Twelve patients had archived sera, which on titration had CASPR2-IgG titers ≥ 1:100. Fifteen patients (75%) met criteria for autoimmune encephalitis. Patients most commonly presented with focal onset, nonmotor seizures with impaired awareness (n = 14, 70%). Eleven patients also had focal motor and/or sensory seizures as one of the seizure semiologies. The majority of patients (n = 11, 55%) developed generalized tonic-clonic seizures during their disease course. Seizure clusters occurred in 12 patients. In addition to seizures, patients developed cognitive disturbance (n = 16, 80%), episodic emotional lability (n = 13, 65%), paroxysmal dizziness (n = 9, 45%), episodic ataxia (n = 6, 30%), and chronic ataxia (n = 9, 45%). Only three patients (15%) had coexisting peripheral nervous system involvement. Frontotemporal or temporal ictal and/or interictal electroencephalographic abnormalities were present among nine patients, and three had multifocal epileptiform abnormalities. Eight patients (40%) had medial temporal T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensity on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein and/or lymphocytic pleocytosis was present in most cases (13/14, 93%). Thirteen patients reached seizure freedom following initiation of antiseizure medication (ASM; n = 4) or a combination of immunotherapy and ASM (n = 9). Median duration of follow-up was 25 months (range = 2-136 months).CASPR2-IgG evaluation should be considered among older male patients with new onset focal seizures and impaired awareness often occurring in clusters with/without features of encephalitis. Coexisting neurological manifestations, including episodic emotional lability, ataxia, and paroxysmal dizziness, also aid in the diagnosis.

ObjectivesTo report the expanded neurological presentations and oncological associations of tripartite motif-containing protein 46 (TRIM46)-IgG seropositive patients.MethodsArchived sera/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were evaluated by tissue-based immunofluorescence assay to identify patients with identical axon initial segment (AIS)-specific staining pattern. Phage immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhIP-Seq) was used to identify the putative autoantigen.ResultsIgG in serum (17) and/or CSF (16) from 25 patients yielded unique AIS-specific staining on murine central nervous system (CNS) tissue. An autoantibody specific for TRIM46 was identified by PhIP-Seq, and autoantigen specificity was confirmed by transfected COS7 cell-based assay. Clinical information was available for 22 TRIM46-IgG seropositive patients. Fifteen were female (68%). Median age was 67 years (range 25–87). Fifteen (68%) patients presented with subacute cerebellar syndrome (six isolated; nine with CNS accompaniments: encephalopathy (three), brainstem signs (two), myelopathy (two), parkinsonism (one)). Other phenotypes included limbic encephalitis (three), encephalopathy with/without seizures (two), myelopathy (two). Eighteen (82%) had cancer: neuroendocrine carcinomas (9; pancreatic (3), small-cell lung (4), oesophagus (1), endometrium (1)), adenocarcinomas (6; lung (2), ovarian (2), endometrial (1), breast (1)), sarcoma (2) and gastrointestinal tumour (1). Neurological symptoms in three followed immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) administration.ConclusionsThis study supports TRIM46-IgG being a biomarker of paraneoplastic CNS disorders and expands the neurological phenotypes, oncological and ICI-related adverse event associations.

Background and ObjectiveMultiple studies highlighting the diagnostic utility of neurofascin-155 (NF155)–immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) in chronic demyelinating inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) have been published. However, few studies comprehensively address the long-term outcomes or clinical utility of NF155–immunoglobulin M (IgM) or NF155–immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the absence of NF155-IgG4. We evaluated phenotypic and histopathologic specificity and differences in outcomes between these NF155 antibody isotypes or IgG subclasses. We also compare NF155-IgG4-seropositive cases to other seropositive demyelinating neuropathies.MethodsNeuropathy patient sera at Mayo Clinic were tested for NF155-IgG4, NF155-IgG, and NF155-IgM autoantibodies. Demographic and clinical data of all seropositive cases were reviewed.ResultsWe identified 32 NF155 cases (25 NF155-IgG-positive [20 NF155-IgG4-positive], 7 NF155-IgM-seropositive). NF155-IgG4-seropositive patients clinically presented with distal more than proximal muscle weakness, positive sensory symptoms (prickling, asymmetric paresthesia, neuropathic pain), and gait ataxia. Cranial nerve involvement (11/20 [55%]) and papilledema (4/12 [33%]) occurred in many. Electrodiagnostic testing (EDX) demonstrated demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (19/20 [95%]). Autonomic involvement occurred in 45% (n = 9, median composite autonomic scoring scale score 3.5, range 1–7). Nerve biopsies from the NF155-IgG4 patients (n = 11) demonstrated grouped segmental demyelination (50%), myelin reduplication (45%), and paranodal swellings (50%). Most patients needed second- and third-line immunosuppression but had favorable long-term outcomes (n = 18). Among 14 patients with serial EDX over 2 years, all except one demonstrated improvement after treatment. NF155-IgG-positive, NF155-IgG4-negative (NF155-IgG-positive) and NF155-IgM-positive patients were phenotypically different from NF155-IgG4-seropositive patients. Sensory ataxia, neuropathic pain, cerebellar dysfunction, and root/plexus MRI abnormalities were significantly more common in NF155-IgG4-positive compared to myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG)–IgM neuropathy. Chronic immune sensory polyradiculopathy (CISP)/CISP-plus phenotype was more common among contactin-1 neuropathies compared to NF155-IgG4-positive cases. NF155-IgG4-positive cases responded favorably to immunotherapy compared to MAG-IgM-seropositive cases with distal acquired demyelinating symmetric neuropathy (p < 0.001) and had better long-term clinical outcomes compared to contactin-1 IgG (p = 0.04).DiscussionWe report long-term follow-up and clinical outcome of NF155-IgG4 cases. NF155-IgG4 but not IgM or IgG cases have unique clinical–electrodiagnostic signature. We demonstrate NF155-IgG4-positive patients, unlike classical CIDP with neuropathic pain and dysautonomia common at presentation. Long-term outcomes were favorable.Classification of EvidenceThis study provides Class III evidence that NF155-IgG4-seropositive patients, compared to patients with typical CIDP, present with distal more than proximal muscle weakness, positive sensory symptoms, and gait ataxia.

Background and ObjectivesTo longitudinally investigate patients with multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy (MADSAM), quantifying timing and location of sensory involvements in motor onset patients, along with clinicohistopathologic and electrophysiologic findings to ascertain differences in patients with and without monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS).MethodsPatients with MADSAM seen at Mayo Clinic and tested for monoclonal gammopathy and ganglioside antibodies were retrospectively reviewed (January 1, 2007–December 31, 2018).ResultsOf 76 patients with MADSAM, 53% had pure motor, 16% pure sensory, 30% sensorimotor, and 1% cranial nerve onsets. Motor-onset patients were initially diagnosed with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). MGUS occurred in 25% (89% immunoglobulin M [IgM] subtype), associating with ganglioside autoantibodies (p < 0.001) and higher IgM titers (p < 0.04). Median time to sensory involvements (confirmed by electrophysiology) in motor onset patients was 18 months (range 6–180). Compared to initial motor nerve involvements, subsequent sensory findings were within the same territory in 35% (14/40), outside in 20% (8/40), or both in 45% (18/40). Brachial and lumbosacral plexus MRI was abnormal in 87% (34/39) and 84% (21/25), respectively, identifying hypertrophy and increased T2 signal predominantly in brachial plexus trunks (64%), divisions (69%), and cords (69%), and intrapelvic sciatic (64%) and femoral (44%) nerves. Proximal fascicular nerve biopsies (n = 9) more frequently demonstrated onion-bulb pathology (p = 0.001) and endoneurial inflammation (p = 0.01) than distal biopsies (n = 17). MRI and biopsy findings were similar among patient subgroups. Initial Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) disability scores were higher in patients with MGUS relative to without (p = 0.02). Long-term treatment responsiveness by INCAT score reduction ≥1 or motor Neuropathy Impairment Score (mNIS) >8-point reduction occurred in 75% (49/65) irrespective of MGUS or motor onsets. Most required ongoing immunotherapy (86%). Patients with MGUS more commonly required dual-agent immunotherapy for stability (p = 0.02).DiscussionPure motor onsets are the most common MADSAM presentation. Long-term follow-up, repeat electrophysiology, and nerve pathology help distinguish motor onset MADSAM from MMN. Better long-term immunotherapy responsiveness occurs in motor onset MADSAM compared to MMN reports. Patients with MGUS commonly require dual immunotherapy.Classification of EvidenceThis study provides Class II evidence that most clinical, electrophysiologic, and histopathologic findings were similar between patients with MADSAM with and without MGUS.

ObjectiveCochleovestibulopathy is a distinguishable paraneoplastic phenotype. In this study, we evaluate clinical presentation, serological/cancer associations and outcomes of paraneoplastic cochleovestibulopathy.MethodsRetrospective chart review of patients with hearing impairment and/or vestibulopathy who underwent serological evaluations for paraneoplastic antibodies between January 2007 and February 2021 was performed.ResultsTwenty-six patients were identified (men, n=23; median age, 45 years, range: 28–70). Biomarkers detected included: KLHL11-IgG‌ ‌(n=20,‌ ‌77% (coexisting LUZP4-IgG, n=8)),‌ ‌‌ANNA1-IgG‌ ‌ ‌(n=3,‌ ‌12%),‌ ‌amphiphysin-IgG‌‌ ‌(n=2,‌ ‌8%)‌ ‌and‌ ‌LUZP4-IgG‌‌ ‌(n=1,‌ ‌4%). Most common neoplastic association was ‌testicular‌/‌extra-testicular‌ ‌seminoma‌ ‌ (n=13,‌ ‌50%).‌‌ Hearing‌ impairment (bilateral, 62%) was ‌present‌ ‌in‌ ‌all‌ ‌patients.‌ ‌Fifteen patients (58%) had cochleovestibular dysfunction as their initial presentation before rhombencephalitis/encephalomyelitis manifestations (hearing loss, four; acute vertigo, eight; both, three). ‌Brain‌ ‌MRI‌ ‌demonstrated‌ ‌internal‌ ‌auditory‌ ‌canal‌ ‌enhancement‌ ‌in‌ ‌four ‌patients.‌ Audiometry commonly revealed severe-profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Most patients ‌had‌ a refractory course ‌despite‌ ‌immunotherapy‌ ‌and/or‌ ‌cancer‌ ‌treatment‌.ConclusionCochleovestibulopathy commonly presents with rapidly progressive bilateral hearing loss and/or acute vertigo. However, in some patients, these symptoms present along with or following brainstem/cerebellar manifestations. KLHL11-IgG and seminoma are the most common serological and cancer associations, respectively. Recognition of this phenotype may aid in earlier diagnosis of paraneoplastic autoimmunity and associated cancer.

Background and ObjectivesTo assess the clinical practice applicability of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) criteria (2016).MethodsMedical records of 538 adults diagnosed with AE or related autoimmune encephalopathy at Mayo Clinic (not including pure movement disorders) were reviewed and AE guideline criteria applied.ResultsOf 538 patients, 288 were male (52%). The median symptom onset age was 55 years (range, 11–97 years; 16 had onset as children). All had other non-AE diagnoses reasonably excluded. Of 538 patients, 361 (67%) met at least possible criteria, having all 3 of subacute onset; memory deficits, altered mental status or psychiatric symptoms, and ≥1 supportive feature (new focal objective CNS finding, N = 285; new-onset seizures, N = 283; supportive MRI findings, N = 251; or CSF pleocytosis, N = 160). Of 361 patients, AE subgroups were as follows: definite AE (N = 221, 61%, [87% AE-specific IgG positive]), probable seronegative AE (N = 18, 5%), Hashimoto encephalopathy (N = 20, 6%), or possible AE not otherwise categorizable (N = 102, 28%). The 221 patients with definite AE had limbic encephalitis (N = 127, 57%), anti–NMDA-R encephalitis (N = 32, 15%), ADEM (N = 8, 4%), or other AE-specific IgG defined (N = 54, 24%). The 3 most common definite AE-IgGs detected were as follows: LGI1 (76, 34%), NMDA-R (32, 16%), and high-titer GAD65 (23, 12%). The remaining 177 patients (33%) not meeting possible AE criteria had the following: seizures only (65, 12% of all 538 patients), brainstem encephalitis without supratentorial findings (55, 10%; none had Bickerstaff encephalitis), or other (57, 11%). Those 57 “others” lacked sufficient supportive clinical, radiologic, or CSF findings (N = 26), had insidious or initially episodic onset of otherwise typical disorders (N = 21), or had atypical syndromes without clearcut memory deficits, altered mental status, or psychiatric symptoms (N = 10). Fifteen of 57 were AE-specific IgG positive (26%). Among the remaining 42, evidence of other organ-specific autoimmunity (mostly thyroid) was encountered in 31 (74%, ≥1 coexisting autoimmune disease [21, 50%] or ≥1 non–AE-specific antibodies detected [23, 53%]), and all but 1 had an objective immunotherapy response (97%).DiscussionThe 2016 AE guidelines permit autoimmune causation assessment in subacute encephalopathy and are highly specific. Inclusion could be improved by incorporating AE-IgG–positive patients with isolated seizures or brainstem disorders. Some patients with atypical presentations but with findings supportive of autoimmunity may be immune therapy responsive.

ObjectiveTo critically assess the clinical utility of striational antibodies (StrAbs) within paraneoplastic and myasthenia gravis (MG) serologic evaluations.MethodsAll Mayo Clinic patients tested for StrAbs from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2018, utilizing Mayo's Unified Data Platform (UDP) were reviewed for neurologic diagnosis and cancer.ResultsA total of 38,502 unique paraneoplastic evaluations and 1,899 patients with MG were tested. In paraneoplastic evaluations, the StrAbs positivity rate was higher in cancer vs without cancer (5% [321/6,775] vs 4% [1,154/31,727]; p < 0.0001; odds ratio [OR] 1.35; confidence interval [CI] 1.19–1.53), but receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated no diagnostic accuracy in cancer (area under the ROC curve [AUC] 0.505). No neurologic phenotype was significantly associated with StrAbs in the paraneoplastic group. Positivity was more common in all MG cancers compared to paraneoplastic cancers (p < 0.0001). In MG evaluations, the StrAbs positivity rate was higher in those with cancer vs without (46% [217/474] vs 26% [372/1,425]; p < 0.0001; OR 2.39, CI 1.9–2.96), with ROC analysis indicating poor diagnostic accuracy for thymic cancer (AUC 0.634, recommended cutoff = 1:60, sensitivity = 56%, specificity = 71%), with worse accuracy for extrathymic cancers (AUC 0.543). In paraneoplastic or MG evaluations, the value of antibody positivity did not improve cancer predictions. Paraneoplastic evaluated patients with positive StrAbs were more likely to obtain CT (p = 0.0001), with cancer found in 3% (12/468).ConclusionDespite a statistically significant association with cancer, an expansive review of performance in clinical service demonstrates that StrAbs are neither specific nor sensitive in predicting malignancy or neurologic phenotypes. CT imaging is overutilized with positive StrAbs results. Removal of StrAbs from paraneoplastic or MG evaluations will improve the diagnostic characteristics of the current MG test.Classification of EvidenceThis study provides Class II evidence that the presence of StrAbs does not accurately identify patients with malignancy or neurologic phenotypes.

ObjectiveTo evaluate efficacy and safety of rozanolixizumab for treatment of leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) autoimmune encephalitis (AIE).BackgroundLGI1 AIE is a clinically homogeneous syndrome mediated by autoantibodies, predominantly of the IgG4 subclass, characterized by seizures, cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms. No approved treatment options are available, and current treatment paradigms are variable. Rozanolixizumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that can be delivered subcutaneously and inhibits the IgG binding region of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), reducing the concentration of circulating IgG-antibodies, including pathogenic IgG-autoantibodies.Design/MethodsThis multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled LEGIONE study (NCT04875975) is the first Phase 2 study to evaluate efficacy and safety of FcRn inhibition as treatment for LGI1 AIE. The study is recruiting adults with serum LGI1-autoantibodies, considered for intravenous methylprednisolone treatment, with new-onset disease (0-12 months prior to study entry). At screening, patients with prior diagnosis of epilepsy unrelated to LGI1 AIE, IgG level =5.5 g/L, clinically relevant infection or history of neoplastic disease will be excluded. Alongside a typical steroid taper, ∼68 patients will be randomized 1:1 to subcutaneous infusion of rozanolixizumab or placebo for 24 weeks, stratified by time from disease onset and cognitive function (measured by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status) at randomization. Primary endpoint is measured by seizure freedom (28 consecutive days of no seizures maintained until the end of the treatment period). Secondary endpoints are change in cognitive function, use of rescue medication, time to onset of seizure freedom and safety and tolerability of rozanolixizumab. Exploratory pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic and biomarker-based endpoints are anticipated.ResultsStudy background, rationale and design will be presented.ConclusionsThe LEGIONE study is the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an FcRn inhibitor, rozanolixizumab, in patients with leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 autoimmune encephalitis and is enrolling patients.

ObjectiveTo assess stiff person syndrome (SPS) misdiagnosis and identify factors differentiating SPS from non-SPS.BackgroundSPS is a heterogeneous immune-mediated central hyperexcitability disorder that is challenging to differentiate from alternative diagnoses.Design/MethodsPatients referred to the Mayo Autoimmune Neurology Clinic for SPS (01-Jul-2016 to 30-Jun-2021) were included. SPS diagnosis was defined as compatible clinical syndrome confirmed by an autoimmune neurologist and either serum positivity for high-titer GAD65-IgG (>20.0 nmol/L), glycine-receptor-IgG or amphiphysin-IgG (seropositive cases), or confirmatory electrodiagnostic studies (seronegative cases). Seven patients were excluded (diagnostic uncertainty). Patients were compared for clinical presentation, examination findings, laboratory and electrodiagnostic testing, and treatment responses.ResultsOf 173 cases, 48 (28%) were diagnosed with SPS and 125 (72%) with non-SPS. Age and sex did not significantly differ in the two groups. Most SPS patients were seropositive (41/48 total: GAD65-IgG 27/41, glycine-receptor-IgG 12/41 and amphiphysin-IgG 2/41). Fibromyalgia/chronic pain syndrome or functional neurological disorder were the most common non-SPS diagnoses (81/125, 65%). True SPS patients more commonly had a history of exaggerated startle (81% vs 56%, p = 0.02), unexplained falls (76% vs 46%, p = 0.001) and prior autoimmunity (50% vs 27%, p = 0.005). On examination, SPS patients more often had hypertonia (60% vs 24%, p < 0.001), hyperreflexia (71% vs 43%, p = 0.001) and exaggerated lumbar lordosis (67% vs 9%, p < 0.001) but less likely had functional signs (6% vs 33%, p = 0.001). SPS patients more often had abnormal electrodiagnostic studies (74% vs 17%, p < 0.001), and at least moderate symptomatic improvement was more likely with benzodiazepines (51% vs 16%, p < 0.001) or immunotherapy (45% vs 13% p < 0.001). Seventy-one non-SPS patients received immunotherapy; only 4 had an autoimmune neurological condition.ConclusionsSPS misdiagnosis is common and most alternative diagnoses were non-neurologic. Misdiagnosis may be reduced by considering clinical and paraclinical factors; improved diagnostic accuracy will reduce exposure to unnecessary treatments and health care costs.

Immune-mediated rippling muscle disease (iRMD) is a rare myopathy characterized by wavelike muscle contractions (rippling) and percussion- or stretch-induced muscle mounding. A serological biomarker of this disease is lacking.To describe a novel autoantibody biomarker of iRMD and report associated clinicopathological characteristics.This retrospective cohort study evaluated archived sera from 10 adult patients at tertiary care centers at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, and BrighamWomen's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, who were diagnosed with iRMD by neuromuscular specialists in 2000 and 2021, based on the presence of electrically silent percussion- or stretch-induced muscle rippling and percussion-induced rapid muscle contraction with or without muscle mounding and an autoimmune basis. Sera were evaluated for a common biomarker using phage immunoprecipitation sequencing. Myopathology consistent with iRMD was documented in most patients. The median (range) follow-up was 18 (1-30) months.Diagnosis of iRMD.Detection of a common autoantibody in serum of patients sharing similar clinical and myopathological features.Seven male individuals and 3 female individuals with iRMD were identified (median [range] age at onset, 60 [18-76] years). An IgG autoantibody specific for caveolae-associated protein 4 (cavin-4) was identified in serum of patients with iRMD using human proteome phage immunoprecipitation sequencing. Immunoassays using recombinant cavin-4 confirmed cavin-4 IgG seropositivity in 8 of 10 patients with iRMD. Results for healthy and disease-control individuals (n = 241, including myasthenia gravis and immune-mediated myopathies) were cavin-4 IgG seronegative. Six of the 8 individuals with cavin-4 IgG were male, and the median (range) age was 60 (18-76) years. Initial symptoms included rippling of lower limb muscles in 5 of 8 individuals or all limb muscles in 2 of 8 sparing bulbar muscles, fatigue in 9 of 10, mild proximal weakness in 3 of 8, and isolated myalgia in 1 of 8, followed by development of diffuse rippling. All patients had percussion-induced muscle rippling and half had percussion- or stretch-induced muscle mounding. Four of the 10 patients had proximal weakness. Plasma creatine kinase was elevated in all but 1 patient. Six of the 10 patients underwent malignancy screening; cancer was detected prospectively in only 1. Muscle biopsy was performed in 7 of the 8 patients with cavin-4 IgG; 6 of 6 specimens analyzed immunohistochemically revealed a mosaic pattern of sarcolemmal cavin-4 immunoreactivity. Three of 6 patients whose results were seropositive and who received immunotherapy had complete resolution of symptoms, 1 had mild improvement, and 2 had no change.The findings indicate that cavin-4 IgG may be the first specific serological autoantibody biomarker identified in iRMD. Depletion of cavin-4 expression in muscle biopsies of patients with iRMD suggests the potential role of this autoantigen in disease pathogenesis.

ObjectiveSensory loss with normal nerve conduction studies (NCS) from focal sensory root inflammatory demyelination is characteristic of chronic immune sensory polyradiculopathy (CISP). However, nonpure cases involving motor and distal sensory nerves exist (CISP-plus). We hypothesize that CISP-plus and CISP are fundamentally part of the same syndrome through comparison of clinical, neurophysiologic, and pathologic features.MethodsCISP-plus (primary dorsal root with lesser motor and sensory nerve involvement) and CISP cases were retrospectively analyzed (1986–2019).ResultsWe identified 44 CISP-plus and 28 CISP cases (n = 72) with 86% (38/44) of patients with CISP-plus and 79% (22/28) of patients with CISP experiencing imbalance. On examination, large fiber sensory loss was present in 98% (43/44) of patients with CISP-plus and 96% (27/28) of patients with CISP. Gait ataxia was evident in 93% (41/44) of patients with CISP-plus and 79% (22/28) of patients with CISP. Mild distal weakness was common in CISP-plus (75%, 33/44). NCS showed mild abnormalities in all patients with CISP-plus and were normal (by definition) in all patients with CISP. Elevated CSF protein, slowing of somatosensory evoked potentials, and MRI root enhancement occurred in most CISP-plus and CISP cases. Eleven CISP-plus nerve biopsies showed loss of large myelinated fibers and onion-bulb formations, most prominent in rootlet biopsies. Immunotherapy resulted in marked improvement of gait ataxia in 84% (27/32) of patients with CISP-plus and 93% (13/14) of patients with CISP with return to normal neurologic examination in half (25/46).ConclusionThe recognition of CISP-plus expands the spectrum of CIDP by combining CISP-plus (predominant sensory polyradiculopathy with mild motor and sensory nerve involvement) with pure CISP (focal sensory polyradiculopathy) together as proximal sensory CIDP.

Paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS) comprises a group of neurological disorders that result from a misguided immune response to the nervous system triggered by a distant tumor. These disorders frequently manifest before the diagnosis of the underlying neoplasm. Since the first reported case in 1888 by Oppenheim, the knowledge in this area has evolved rapidly. Several classic PNS have been described, such as limbic encephalitis, paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, encephalomyelitis, opsoclonus-myoclonus, sensory neuronopathy, Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic syndrome, and chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility. It is now recognized that PNS can have varied nonclassical manifestations that extend beyond the traditional syndromic descriptions. Multiple onconeural antibodies with high specificity for certain tumor types and neurological phenotypes have been discovered over the past 3 decades. Increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has led to increased recognition of neurologic ICI-related adverse events. Some of these resemble PNS. In this article, we review the clinical, oncologic, and immunopathogenic associations of PNS.

A 45-year-old man with a history of testicular seminoma treated 8 years earlier presented with chronic progressive truncal and limb ataxia, progressive sensorineural hearing loss, and episodic vertigo. Eye movement and neuro-otology examinations showed localizing abnormalities to the bilateral cerebellar flocculus, vermis, and bilateral cerebellar hemispheres. Audiometric testing showed bilateral symmetric sensorineural hearing loss. There was a normal MRI of the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed modest lymphocytic pleocytosis, and there was an elevated serum choriogonadotrophic hormone. An abdominal CT scan showed a solitary, large retroperitoneal lymph node, and histopathologic examination of the node biopsy showed granulomatous inflammation without microorganisms; eventually, immunohistochemical markers confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic seminoma. Although normal neuroimaging and inflammatory CSF reaction suggested a paraneoplastic etiology, the initial paraneoplastic antibody testing was negative. Subsequent investigation identified a positive kelch-11 protein antibody, thus confirming the paraneoplastic connection between the metastatic seminoma and the subacute neurologic-cochleovestibular syndrome.

α -amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) encephalitis is rare but treatable. We reviewed the clinical and autoantibody profiles of 52 AMPAR-IgG-positive patients (median age 48 years [range 12-81]; 38 female) identified at the Mayo Clinic neuroimmunology laboratory. Main presentation was encephalitis; symptoms other than encephalitis associated with co-existing antibodies (p = 0.004). A tumor was found in 33/44; mostly thymoma. Most patients had partial (14/29) or complete (11/29) immunotherapy response. Thirty-one patients had at least one co-existing antibody that predicted thymoma in paraneoplastic patients (p = 0.008). In conclusion, in AMPAR encephalitis co-existing antibodies predict clinical presentation other than encephalitis and thymoma.

ImportanceAutoimmune encephalitis misdiagnosis can lead to harm.ObjectiveTo determine the diseases misdiagnosed as autoimmune encephalitis and potential reasons for misdiagnosis.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective multicenter study took place from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2020, at autoimmune encephalitis subspecialty outpatient clinics including Mayo Clinic (n = 44), University of Oxford (n = 18), University of Texas Southwestern (n = 18), University of California, San Francisco (n = 17), Washington University in St Louis (n = 6), and University of Utah (n = 4). Inclusion criteria were adults (age ≥18 years) with a prior autoimmune encephalitis diagnosis at a participating center or other medical facility and a subsequent alternative diagnosis at a participating center. A total of 393 patients were referred with an autoimmune encephalitis diagnosis, and of those, 286 patients with true autoimmune encephalitis were excluded.Main Outcomes and MeasuresData were collected on clinical features, investigations, fulfillment of autoimmune encephalitis criteria, alternative diagnoses, potential contributors to misdiagnosis, and immunotherapy adverse reactions.ResultsA total of 107 patients were misdiagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis, and 77 (72%) did not fulfill diagnostic criteria for autoimmune encephalitis. The median (IQR) age was 48 (35.5-60.5) years and 65 (61%) were female. Correct diagnoses included functional neurologic disorder (27 [25%]), neurodegenerative disease (22 [20.5%]), primary psychiatric disease (19 [18%]), cognitive deficits from comorbidities (11 [10%]), cerebral neoplasm (10 [9.5%]), and other (18 [17%]). Onset was acute/subacute in 56 (52%) or insidious (>3 months) in 51 (48%). Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was suggestive of encephalitis in 19 of 104 patients (18%) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis occurred in 16 of 84 patients (19%). Thyroid peroxidase antibodies were elevated in 24 of 62 patients (39%). Positive neural autoantibodies were more frequent in serum than CSF (48 of 105 [46%] vs 7 of 91 [8%]) and included 1 or more of GAD65 (n = 14), voltage-gated potassium channel complex (LGI1 and CASPR2 negative) (n = 10), N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor by cell-based assay only (n = 10; 6 negative in CSF), and other (n = 18). Adverse reactions from immunotherapies occurred in 17 of 84 patients (20%). Potential contributors to misdiagnosis included overinterpretation of positive serum antibodies (53 [50%]), misinterpretation of functional/psychiatric, or nonspecific cognitive dysfunction as encephalopathy (41 [38%]).Conclusions and RelevanceWhen evaluating for autoimmune encephalitis, a broad differential diagnosis should be considered and misdiagnosis occurs in many settings including at specialized centers. In this study, red flags suggesting alternative diagnoses included an insidious onset, positive nonspecific serum antibody, and failure to fulfill autoimmune encephalitis diagnostic criteria. Autoimmune encephalitis misdiagnosis leads to morbidity from unnecessary immunotherapies and delayed treatment of the correct diagnosis.

Objectives To describe CSF‐defined neuronal intermediate filament (NIF) autoimmunity. Methods NIF‐IgG CSF‐positive patients (41, 0.03% of 118599 tested, 1996–2019) were included (serum was neither sensitive nor specific). Criteria‐based patient NIF‐IgG staining of brain and myenteric NIFs was detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA); NIF‐specificity was confirmed by cell‐based assays (CBAs, alpha internexin, neurofilament light [NF‐L]), heavy‐[NF‐H] chain). Results Sixty‐one percent of 41 patients were men, median age, 61 years (range, 21–88). Syndromes were encephalopathy predominant (23), cerebellar ataxia predominant (11), or myeloradiculoneuropathies (7). MRI abnormalities (T2 hyperintensities of brain, spinal cord white matter tracts. and peripheral nerve axons) and neurophysiologic testing (EEG, EMG, evoked potentials) co‐localized with clinical neurological phenotypes (multifocal in 29%). Thirty patients (73%) had ≥ 1 immunological perturbation: cancer (paraneoplastic), 22; systemic infection (parainfectious [including ehrlichosis, 3] or HIV), 7; checkpoint‐inhibitor cancer immunotherapy, 4; other, 5. Cancers were as follows: neuroendocrine‐lineage carcinomas, 12 (small cell, 6; Merkel cell, 5; pancreatic, 1 [11/12 had NF‐L‐IgG detected, versus 8/29 others, P = 0.0005]) and other, 11. Onset was predominantly subacute (92%) and accompanied by inflammatory CSF (75%), and immunotherapy response (77%). In contrast, CSF controls (15684 total) demonstrated NIF‐IgG negativity (100% of test validation controls), and low frequencies of autoimmune diagnoses (20% of consecutively referred clinical specimens) and neuroendocrine‐lineage carcinoma diagnosis (3.1% vs. 30% of NIF cases), P