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“Epilepsia partialis continua” due to multifocal encephalitis: Favourable outcome after immunoglobulin treatment

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Abstract

The case of a young woman with EPCK is described in which neoplastic and vascular disorders were excluded. Supported by EEG and PET, EPCK was imputed to multifocal encephalitis notwithstanding serological and CSF negativity. Cerebral biopsy confirmed the inflammatory nature of the affection, although the etiologic agent was not identified. High dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was followed by the prompt disappearance of EPCK and the remission of the other neurological deficits.

Sommario

Viene descritto un caso di EPCK nel quale era stata esclusa una patologia neoplastica o vascolare dell'encefalo. L'EPCK è stata attribuita ad una encefalite multifocale, che ha trovato sostegno nei reperti EEG e PET, nonostante la negatività delle indagini sierologiche e liquorali. Una biopsia cerebrale ha confermato la natura flogistica dell'affezione, senza identificarne l'agente etiologico. La somministrazione endovenosa di immunoglobuline ad alto dosaggio è stata seguita da una rapida scomparsa della EPCK e da una remissione degli altri deficit neurologici.

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Barontini, F., Maurri, S. & Amantini, A. “Epilepsia partialis continua” due to multifocal encephalitis: Favourable outcome after immunoglobulin treatment. Ital J Neuro Sci 15, 157–161 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02339208

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