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AMPAR encephalitis in a child with short-term amnesia after COVID-19 vaccination – A case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We report a 12-year-old boy that developed α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPAR) encephalitis, a rare condition in children, 15 days after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Initially presenting with short-term amnesia, he showed normal results on EEG and brain MRI. Antibodies against AMPAR were found in his cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Cancer screenings were normal. The patient was treated with intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIG) for five days, but relapsed 45 days later. Upon relapse, he received IVIG, dexamethasone, and rituximab, leading to full recovery. While a temporal connection suggests a potential link between vaccination and encephalitis, this has not been previously documented and could be coincidental. Further studies are needed to confirm any causation. Early suspicion and treatment of this condition are crucial for a better prognosis.

Source: Medical Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.hmedic.2025.100264

Authors: Melina Alves da Frota, Denise Mendonça Borges, Caroline Corrêa Maranhão, Lidiane Indiani, Marcelo Melo Aragão, Ricardo Silva Pinho

Institution: Universidade Federal de São Paulo

Language: English

Topic: Autoimmune Neurological Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,900