Anesthetic Care for a Pediatric Patient With Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis

Abstract

First characterized in 2007, anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder with the production of antibodies against the NMDA-type glutamate receptor. The process results in a constellation of psychiatric signs and symptoms with disorders of motor and respiratory function. We describe the anesthetic management of a patient with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis who required anesthetic care during radiological imaging. Primary perioperative concerns include the potential for arrhythmias, hemodynamic compromise, respiratory failure, and central nervous system involvement including seizures, altered mental status, and psychiatric manifestations.




J Med Cases. 2019;10(6):151-154
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3310