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

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.