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A Case of Heavy Chain Neuronal Intermediate Filament Autoimmune Encephalitis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A 66-year-old woman presented with 2 days of confusion, poor balance, and a recent ground level fall. She exhibited lower extremity weakness, urinary retention, and upper extremity resting tremor with cogwheel rigidity. Extensive work-up for electrolyte, infectious, and rheumatologic pathologies was unremarkable, and she was ultimately found to have heavy chain neuronal intermediate filament (NIF-H) antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid, supporting a diagnosis of NIF autoimmune encephalitis (AE). An increased awareness of AE and a high index of suspicion are key to prompt diagnosis and treatment. If diagnosed, cancer screening is recommended, because AE can be a paraneoplastic process.

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine Clinical Cases

DOI: 10.7326/aimcc.2024.0974

Authors: Olivia D. Keenum, M. Cole Keenum, Joshua Elder, Kathryn Humes

Institution: Augusta University

Language: English

Topic: Autoimmune Neurological Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4409050048

FWCI:

Cites: 10

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Related to: 10