Multifocal encephalopathy and autoimmune-mediated limbic encephalitis following tocilizumab therapy

Abstract

A 63-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis developed multifocal encephalopathy and limbic encephalitis following therapy with tocilizumab, a humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody. Anti-glutamate receptor ε2 antibodies were later found to be positive in both the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. This case highlights the possibility of the development of encephalopathy after treatment with tocilizumab, which may also induce autoimmune limbic encephalitis. © 2014 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.