A diagnostic challenge – autoimmune encephalitis as paraneoplastic syndrome of ovarian teratoma. Current state of knowledge

Abstract

Abstract Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is one of the paraneoplastic syndromes of ovarian teratoma. Insufficient knowledge about the evolution of the disease, as well as its manifestation in the form of non-specific clinical symptoms (such as significant deterioration of memory and cognitive functions of patients), is a common cause of a prolonged diagnostic process and delay in the introduction of targeted treatment. The aim of the study was to summarize the data available in the literature, as well as recent reports, to facilitate and accelerate the diagnosis of the syndrome and ensure better care for patients. A literature review was performed in the PubMed, Google Scholar databases and the guidelines of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, by using keywords. Making a diagnosis of AE requires the cooperation of a team of specialists (including, among others, neurologists, gynecologists and oncologists). Justification for this is the manifestation of pathology comes in the form of non-specific clinical symptoms. Treatment includes surgery to remove the tumor, pharmacotherapy: corticosteroids and immunoglobulin infusions, in addition to allied modern plasmapheresis treatments – in severe cases. Sorting out the non-specific symptoms of AE would facilitate faster and more accurate diagnosis, and this improve the functioning of patients suffering from ovarian teratoma. Pertinent tests are necessary to facilitate and optimize the differential diagnosis. Education of doctors about its alarming symptoms is important, as is cooperation between doctors of different specialties.