Limbic encephalitis: a new type of autoimmune encephalopathies

Limbic encephalitis is a new type of autoimmune encephalopathies. The clinical manifestation is primarily defined by the subacute onset of short-term memory loss, seizures, confusion and psychiatric symptoms. The diseases usually have a variety of clinical manifestations, and are very serious, occurring with or without tumor association. Routine detection of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and imaging tests show no specificity, but associated antibodies can be detected in serum and (or) CSF. Early identification, tumor resection and immunotherapies are helpful in improving the prognosis of patients. This article aims to study the pathogenesis, classification, clinical features and treatment of antibody-associated limbic encephalitis and to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. Key words: Limbic encephalitis; Autoimmune disease; Antibodies against neuronal surface antigen; Antibodies against intracellular antigen