Synergistic effect of rituximab with anti-epileptic drugs in treating sero-negative limbic encephalitis: a case report

Abstract

Background: Limbic encephalitis can be associated with antibodies directed against intracellular antigens or cell surface antigens, or can be sero-negative. It is still unclear if rituximab can benefit sero-negative limbic encephalitis.

Case presentation: Here, we report that a sero-negative limbic encephalitis patient with refractory seizures was treated successfully with rituximab combined with anti-epileptic drugs. Pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) combined with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in this patient resulted in limited effect.

Conclusion: We conclude that rituximab may be tried in sero-negative limbic encephalitis if IVMP combined with IVIg failed, and delayed use of rituximab could also be effective.

Keywords:

• Refractory seizure
• rituximab
• sero-negative limbic encephalitis

Disclosure statement

The author declares that there are no competing interests.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This article has been approved by the ethics committee of Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images.

Availability of data and materials

All data and materials can be accessed by contacting with Dr. Yongfeng Xu ([email protected])