Neuroscience and Psychiatry: Open Access
Open Access

Paraneoplastic Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Associated with Ovarian Teratoma: A Case Report

Jean Michel Loures Do Couto, Caio Bortoleto Longhi, Luiza Putrick Da Silva, Barbara Bedim De Carvalho, Aline Lara Fonseca De Souza, Lucas Chiarato Fernandes, Fabiana Almeida Pereira, Desirrê Leslíe Vizzotto Dos Santos, Bruno Fuzari Silva, Lauhanda Alves De Lima, Daniele Tomazini Tirolli, Hozanna Holanda Brasil, Valeska Valiati, Leonardo Antonio Ferrari, Mayara Teodoro Jacob Oliveira, Danilo Marcio De Oliveira Cardoso, Jhonathan Gouveia, Carlos Henrique Spesia, Gabriela Caroline De Paula Alcântara, Guilherme Eler De Almeida, Raquel Marques Sandri, Iane Da Costa Scharff, Iara Da Costa Scharff, Cristhiany Ragnini Oliveira, Lethicia Domingos Paulo and André Nazário De Oliveira^*

Medical Residency Program in Internal Medicine at Regional Hospital of Cacoal-Rondonia, Brazil

Received Date: Jul 01, 2025 / Accepted Date: Jul 30, 2025 / Published Date: Jul 30, 2025

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Introduction: Anti-NMDA receptor antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis is a rare neurological condition often associated with ovarian Teratoma, particularly in young women. Early diagnosis is challenging due to its nonspecific clinical presentation.

Case report: A 19-year-old female presented with flu-like symptoms, followed by seizures, behavioral changes, and lower limb weakness. Initial workup revealed an EEG with an “extreme delta brush” pattern and cerebrospinal fluid showing exocytosis without signs of infection. Abdominal CT identified a mass suggestive of an ovarian Teratoma, later confirmed by histopathology. Serology for anti-NMDA antibodies was positive. The patient underwent tumor resection and was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, leading to significant clinical improvement and progressive neurological recovery. 

Discussion: Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis should be considered in young women presenting with neurological and psychiatric symptoms, particularly when CSF and EEG findings are supportive. Early tumor resection and initiation of immunotherapy are associated with better outcomes. Normal neuroimaging does not exclude the diagnosis.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and timely therapeutic intervention are essential for neurological recovery in cases of autoimmune encephalitis associated with ovarian Teratoma. Ongoing follow-up is crucial for monitoring potential relapses.