Autoimmune encephalitis in an underrepresented population: A case series from 2018 to 2023 in Bogotá, Colombia

Abstract

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a challenging neurological disorder with varying clinical presentations and outcomes, yet it remains underreported in Latin America. This study describes the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with AE at a tertiary center in Bogotá, Colombia, from 2018 to 2023. A total of 43 patients were included; the most common antibodies were anti-NMDAR, anti-GAD65, and anti-SOX. Notably, we observed a high occurrence of seronegative AE, often associated with neoplasms. Cerebellar ataxia, behavioral changes, and seizures were frequent clinical presentations. Our findings highlight the variability in antibody frequency, the significance of seronegative AE, and the potential association with neoplasms in our cohort, underscoring the need for increased awareness, improved diagnostic capabilities, and further research to address the knowledge gaps and improve healthcare outcomes for AE patients in Latin America.