Limbic encephalitis: four cases report and review of literature

Abstract

Objective This article aims to present clinical manifestations and to discuss the clinical features and management of 4 patients with limbic encephalitis (LE).  Methods The clinical presentation, MRI examination, laboratory results and treatment of 4 patients with limbic encephalitis were retrospectively analyzed, and relevant literature was reviewed.  Results All the 4 cases presented with short-term memory deficits, psychiatric symptoms, while 2 cases were complicated with seizures. None of them had history of infection. MRI showed the involvement of limbic system, with little enhancement. T₂WI and FLAIR revealed high-intensity signal. Tumor screenings were negative, and patients improved greatly after treatment. The long-term prognosis was favorable. Conclusions Patients with limbic encephalitis present with symptoms and signs of limbic system. Imaging examinations reveal involvement of limbic system, including hippocampus, amygdala and insular lobe, with little enhancement. Cancer screenings are negative, and immunotherapy is successful.

doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2014.07.006