Seizures in anti-Hu–associated extra-limbic encephalitis: Characterization of a unique disease manifestation

Abstract

Anti-Hu–associated neurologic autoimmunity most often occurs in the context of small cell lung cancer and typically presents with peripheral neuropathy, cerebellar ataxia, and/or limbic encephalitis. Extra-limbic encephalitis causing seizures is a rare disease manifestation, with only sparse reports in the literature. Herein we present a patient with seizures in anti-Hu–associated extra-limbic encephalitis, and review the literature for other cases to more fully characterize this entity. Among 27 patients we identified, the median age was 46 years (range: 2–69 years) and 18 of 27 (67%) were female. Focal motor seizures were most common, followed by ictal expressive speech difficulty. Seizure semiologies along with neuroimaging findings most frequently suggested the involvement of the peri-Rolandic cortex, more anterior frontal operculum, and insula, although other cortical regions were rarely affected as well. In contrast to other classical paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes, good response to treatment with attainment of seizure-free survival was often reported, although over one-third still died. A propensity for chronic seizures among children indicated the potential to develop autoimmune-associated epilepsy. The predilection for certain extra-limbic regions, as well as the possibility of good response to treatment, may reflect unique disease mechanisms that would benefit from further study.