Arterial Spin Labeling Changes Parallel Asymmetric Perisylvian and Perirolandic Symptoms in 3 Pediatric Cases of Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis

Discussion We found that ASL may be a suitable early imaging biomarker to highlight perfusion changes corresponding to the functional localization of NMDAR AE in pediatric patients. We briefly highlight the neuroanatomic parallels between working models of schizophrenia, chronic NMDAR antagonist administration (ketamine abuse), and NMDAR AE affecting primarily language centers. The regional specificity seen in NMDAR hypofunction may make ASL a reasonable early and specific biomarker of NMDAR AE disease activity. Future studies are necessary to evaluate regional changes in those patients who present with primarily psychiatric phenotypes rather than classical focal neurologic deficits.
Source: Neurology Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: MRI, All Immunology, Autoimmune diseases, All Pediatric Research Article Source Type: research