Case report: Rasmussen’s Encephalitis treated successfully with rituximab

Abstract

Rasmussen’s encephalitis (RE), or chronic focal encephalitis, is a progressive neurologic condition consisting of cognitive regression, hemiparesis, and intractable epilepsy. While the etiology is unknown, evidence supports an autoimmune basis. Although steroids, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) may afford limited benefit, standard of care for pediatric cases typically involves hemispherectomy. In this report, we present a case of adult-onset Rasmussen’s encephalitis with intractable epilepsy, ultimately responsive to a rituximab (Rituxan®) anti-B lymphocyte treatment protocol.